Hays, W. M. (Willet Martin), 1859-1916

Agricultural education reformer, farm management expert, U.S. assistant secretary of agriculture, 1905-1913. Willet Hays received his bachelor and master degrees from Iowa State University in 1885 and 1896, respectively. Hays was a pioneer in the teaching and field study of agricultural economics, particularly farm management. He introduced and tested many hybrid varieties of field crops. He was best known for his promotion of agricultural education on a high school level, and established a unique system of agricultural high schools, affiliated with the University of Minnesota, throughout that state. In 1905 he was appointed U.S. assistant secretary of agriculture and held the position until 1913. Hays tried to install the Minnesota agricultural education system on a national level through the Dolliver-Davis and Page Wilson bills. His ideas were partially implemented in 1914 with the Smith-Lever Act. Upon leaving the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1913, Hays acted as an advisor to the Minister of Agriculture of Argentina for two years.

From the description of Papers, 1887-1929. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 33877754