HUTCHINSON — Congressman Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns today in hosting a Farm Bill forum at the 2005 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Moran, Senator Roberts and Secretary Johanns received input from Kansas farmers and ranchers on the development of the 2007 Farm Bill. 

“I appreciate Secretary Johanns visiting our State Fair and was pleased to see a number of farmers and ranchers in attendance to share their thoughts,” Moran said. “This was a beneficial forum as it allowed the Secretary, Senator and me to hear Kansans’ concerns on a wide range of agricultural issues.”

Secretary Johanns, Senator Roberts and Moran heard from participants interested in more opportunities for young farmers and ranchers and more support for conservation and rural development programs. Others expressed concerns about the effects of high energy prices on the agriculture industry.

“The issues discussed today will be very helpful as we begin the process of developing the 2007 Farm Bill,” Moran said. “I look forward to working with Secretary Johanns in the coming years to address the needs of Kansans.”

Moran is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. 

For more information, contact Congressman Moran at (202) 225-2715 or visit his web page at www.house.gov/moranks01/.

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