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Commodity Commission election preparations underwayKansas With all the hype about the race to become president of the United States, it is easy to forget there is another election taking place that has a big influence on Kansas agriculture. This winter, Kansas farmers will elect three commissioners for each of the five state commodity commissions: wheat, grain sorghum, corn, soybeans and sunflowers. Growers running for office must be active in producing the crop for which they wish to represent. A petition for election must be submitted to the Kansas Department of Agriculture and contain at least 20 signatures of eligible voters, not to exceed five signatures from any one county. The petition must be postmarked by Nov. 30 in order to be eligible for the 2009 election. Newly-elected commissioners will take office April 1, 2009 and serve a three-year term. Dusti Fritz, chief executive officer of the Kansas Wheat Commission, says the state commodity commission election process is an excellent way for farmers to become actively involved in their industry. "Commodity commissioners manage research, promotion and education programs funded by the checkoff for each commodity," Fritz said. "Participating in the Commission election as a prospective commissioner or voter is vital to the integrity and success of these organizations." The 2009 election represents Districts I, II and III, or the western third of Kansas. --District I includes: Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties. --District II includes: Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties. --District III includes: Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties. If elected to the Kansas Wheat Commission, farmers will shape the future of the wheat industry in Kansas by setting the annual budget, policies and procedures that determine research, education and nutrition priorities. In addition, producers learn leadership skills and gain valuable insight into the entire wheat industry. Farmers can register to vote by Dec. 31, by filling out the Commodity Voter Registration form, available at county Extension offices, Conservation District offices, the Kansas Department of Agriculture or the Kansas Wheat Commission. A registered voter must be a Kansas resident, be at least 18 years old before the election and be actively engaged in growing wheat, corn, grain sorghum, soybeans or sunflowers within the preceding three years. Voters will receive a ballot by mail by Jan. 15 and have until March 1 to submit the ballot. More information is available on the Internet at www.kansaswheat.org or log onto the Commodity Commission site at www.ksda.gov/kansas_agriculture/content/152. 10/13/08 Date: 10/10/08
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