Soil Conservation
Hugh Bennett
North Carolina State University
Hugh Bennett knew what the problem was and how to fix it. A soil scientist at the Department of Agriculture, he had studied soil erosion and believed that the problem was the plow and the people. Bennett felt a soil conservation service could alert farmers about their problematic techniques and teach them better ones. He needed Congress to create and fund such an agency. Members of Congress were reluctant to create another agency, as most of their New Deal programs were deemed unconstitutional. They also believed that the demand for such a service was not required while the nation was still in depression.
The Senate Meeting
Farm Security Administration
On April 17, 1935, Hugh Bennett stood before a U.S. Senate committee in order to sway its members to vote for a soil conservation service. Knowing what was coming, he purposely delayed his remarks. As Bennett spoke, a senator suddenly stood and walked over to the window, and said, “It looks like night out there!” Bennett replied, “See what I mean, gentlemen. There goes Oklahoma.” The Black Sunday storm that had tormented the plains had made its way to the capital city. The senators were now convinced of the need for Bennett’s Soil Conservation Service.
Soil Conservation Service
Associated Press
On April 27,1935, the Soil Conservation Service came into existence with the signing of Public Law 74-46. Hugh Bennett and soil scientist Henry Finnel were put in charge of the Soil Conservation Service. The purpose was to inform farmers how to conserve what was left of the soil and turn farmers toward better conservation farming.
"Bennett went before Congress when the halls of
Congress were invaded with dust from the Great Plains. Congress
passed a bill to establish the... Soil Conservation Service."
Charlie Fenster, soil scientist
Congress were invaded with dust from the Great Plains. Congress
passed a bill to establish the... Soil Conservation Service."
Charlie Fenster, soil scientist