Kansas State University

Kansas State University scientists demonstrate cutting-edge agricultural research at Capitol Hill exhibition

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Seven Kansas State University scientists will be part of a national exhibition on Wednesday, June 6, in Washington, D.C., to help demonstrate how multiple types of U.S. Department of Agriculture funding work together to bolster American innovation. 

Participating Kansas State University scientists and research programs:

• Terry Griffin, assistant professor of agricultural economics.
• Barbara Valent, university distinguished professor of plant pathology.
• KC Olson, professor of animal sciences and industry.
• Barry Bradford, professor of animal sciences and industry.
• Geoffrey Morris, associate professor of agronomy.
• Jesse Poland, associate professor of plant pathology. 
• DeAnn Presley, associate professor of agronomy.

As Congress considers the Farm Bill and agricultural appropriations, agricultural researchers from a variety of disciplines are updating Congressional members and staff on research covering current challenges and emerging threats in agriculture, food and natural resources. 

The exhibition is hosted by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, or APLU; AFRI Coalition; National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research, or NC-FAR; and Supporters of Agricultural Research, or SoAR. The event includes 36 exhibits from more than 20 universities; numerous scientific professional societies; USDA agencies; and others to help show members of Congress and their staffs the importance of funding agricultural research. 

"Research and education in food, agriculture, and natural resource issues has become more critical in solving many societal challenges. If we want to decrease obesity and malnutrition, control invasive species, improve the vitality of our rural communities, and provide clean water, healthy forests, abundant fish and wildlife, and sustainable energy, then the U.S. needs to invest far more in the agricultural research, education and extension system," said Ian Maw, APLU vice president of food, agriculture and natural resources. "The research shared at this event represents only a tiny fraction of the incredible work being carried out in the U.S. and an even smaller fraction of what could be accomplished with increased funding."

The Kansas State University scientists at the exhibition will present both on behalf of the university and on behalf of some professional societies. The full list of university presenters and their topics:

Agricultural & Applied Economics Association; Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Big Data in Agriculture: Opportunities and Risks
Presenter: Terry Griffin, assistant professor of agricultural economics 

American Phytopathological Society
Detecting and Managing Blast Diseases
Presenter: Barbara Valent, university distinguished professor of plant pathology 

Kansas State University
Novel Fire Mangement Strategies to Control Sericea Lespedeza; and Potential for Novel Feeds to Reduce Systemic Inflammation on Milk Yields
Presenters: KC Olson, professor of animal sciences and industry, and Barry Bradford, professor of animal sciences and industry 

Kansas State University
Stakeholder-Driven Research on Wheat and Sorghum to Support Sustainable, Water-Efficient Agriculture and Systems-wide Approach to Accelerating Wheat Quality Improvement
Presenters: Geoffrey Morris, associate professor of agronomy, and Jesse Poland, associate professor of plant pathology  

Union of Concerned Scientists
Great Plains Grazing: Cattle, Climate, Culture and Change
Presenter: DeAnn Presley, associate professor of agronomy