By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Friday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, spent time with scientists at the K-State Agriculture Research Station in Hays, hearing some of the latest results of research from the station.
“What happens here is hugely important,” Moran told the group of researchers before heading to get a first-hand look at crops and livestock that function as a proving ground for primary research on land just south of Hays, along with centers spread across western Kansas.
Moran told the scientists the ability of Kansas agriculture to continue to compete in the global market relies directly on research completed by the research stations.
He also said often when looking at hunger the automatic move is to look at programs such as SNAP, but he told the group he sees another factor at play.
“I have always thought as a Kansan — and I have had the opportunity to bring the point of view — what we put into research and the efficiency of farming, the productivity of farming we can help end world hunger by increasing the supply and keeping agriculture profitable,” Moran said.
Further, he said, the work completed at research stations, such as the Hays location, is not missed at the federal level.
“We have a lot of interest in what you do here,” Moran said. “We know how important it is to Kansas and the county."
During the visit, Moran heard from beef cattle scientist John Jaeger, who shared his work into cattle yields and weaning.
Soil scientist Augustine Obour, shared his work with limited tillage and the benefits of cover crops.
And wheat breeder, Zhang Guorong shared his work with developing wheat varieties.
