Special to The Hays Daily News

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., recently received the 2009 Wheat Advocate Award from the National Association of Wheat Growers for his exceptional support of the wheat industry. Members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers presented Moran with the award during a meeting Jan. 26 in Moran's Washington office.

"Kansas wheat producers contribute to the economic strength and vitality of communities across our state," Moran said. "I am honored to receive this award and will continue to promote policies that give Kansas wheat producers an opportunity to succeed."

Throughout the past year, Moran worked on legislation important to wheat producers. He continued to champion enhanced agricultural trade with Cuba by authoring H.R. 1737, the Agricultural Export Facilitation Act, which would make it easier for wheat producers to sell wheat to Cuba.

"We appreciate Congressman Moran's continual efforts and work on behalf of American agriculture," said First Vice President of NAWG Jerry McReynolds of Woodston. "He has been a leader on trade, the 2008 Farm Bill, implementation of the Farm Bill and an advocate for the safety net for producers."

This is the fifth time Moran has been recognized by NAWG with the Wheat Advocate Award since 2000. In addition to being one of only nine members of Congress to receive the 2009 Wheat Advocate Award, Moran was the 2004 recipient of the Wheat Leader of the Year award, which is the highest honor given by NAWG.

Moran is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee.