Fall harvest of corn and soybeans is progressing well due to an extended period of good weather.

Soybean harvest is complete for the most part and corn harvest is nearly 75 percent complete. Producers are reporting that harvest moisture levels are low with some corn dryers not even running.

Yields for soybeans have been above average to exceptional, with the estimated county average yield around 52 bu/acres.

Corn yields have been more variable, depending upon the area, with the county average yield around 125 bu/acre. Normal average yields are 40 for soybeans and 115 for corn.

With the exception of extreme southern Beaver County, the three county areas of Butler, Beaver and Allegheny had a good growing year. Many counties in the central and eastern part of the state suffered from drought. Nationwide harvest is essentially complete as well, however, yields were somewhat less than anticipated.

The county committee elections are in progress. The ballots were mailed to eligible voters and completed ballots must be returned by mail or to local Farm Service Agency offices by Dec. 6. County committee members make decisions on how federal farm programs will be administered locally.County committee members are elected to office by their peers and serve as the representative voice for agriculture producers in the county, and they are responsible for communicating with the USDA to ensure that national programs are adapted to fit local needs.County committees are responsible for making decisions on issues including commodity loans and payments, conservation programs, disaster assistance programs and emergency programs.Minority and female producers are encouraged to serve as county committee members in the future. It is important that the county committee is comprised of members who reflect the demographics of the local agriculture community.Farmers who participate in FSA programs are eligible to vote. If eligible voters do not receive a ballot by mail, one will be provided by the local USDA Service Center. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 6.New county committee members will assume their role and related responsibilities on Jan. 1, 2011.For more information on county committees, view the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or visit a local USDA Service Center.<B><I>Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.</I></B>