After almost 31½ years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Barbara Mobley, executive director of the Jenkins County Farm Service Agency (FSA), is calling it quits and heading home for the last time at the end of the month.

Mobley’s varied career with the USDA began in her home community of Burke County in March 1978 when she was hired at the Burke County Agricultural Stabilization Service (ASCS) office. She became a Program Assistant with the agency in July of that year and in July 1986 entered the agency’s county office trainee program.

After completion of the six months training program, which involved traveling around the state to five different offices, Mobley was employed as ASCS County Executive Director for Richmond and Columbia counties. The ASCS became the Consolidated FSA, and she then served as the agency’s County Executive Director in Richmond/ Columbia County until May 1995. The Richmond/Columbia County office was combined with McDuffie and Warren counties, after she transferred to Emanuel County. While working there, the agency was changed to the FSA.

Mobley’s career as Jenkins County FSA Executive Director began in July 2000 when she transferred from Emanuel County to be closer to her home.

Throughout her career, Mobley has witnessed many changes within the USDA, the biggest of which she said were the technological advances.

“Everything was done manually when I started. Now, everything is computerized,” she said.

“I have enjoyed my work with the FSA and the farmers and landowners. And I am looking forward to my retirement,” she added.

Mobley’s plans for the future include doing a lot of traveling.

A drop-in reception will be held for Mobley Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the Jenkins County FSA office. Refreshments will be served 9 a.m. until noon, but feel free to drop by at your convenience any time that day.