Agricultural Hall of Fame - HUGH HAMMOND BENNETT

HUGH HAMMOND BENNETT
April 15, 1881 - July 7, 1960

Hugh H. Bennett devoted nearly half a century to fighting soil erosion. Known internationally as the "father of soil conservation," he directed the U.S. Soil Conservation Service from it inception until October 1951 when he became Special Assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture. Dr. Bennett's service was extended a year beyond retirement by Executive Order of President Truman. Immediately following his University of North Carolina graduation in 1903, Dr. Bennett began his professional career in the old Bureau of Soils.

Field surveys led him to the conviction that soil erosion was the most pressing of all agricultural problems. His government pamphlet, Soil Erosion, A National Menace, resulted in his appearance before a Congressional Committee. Dr. Bennett's excellent presentation is credited with planting a seed that flowered into the Soil Conservation Service in 1935. He was author of five books and hundreds of pamphlets and articles. Holder of two honorary degrees - an LL.D. from the University of North Carolina and a D.Sc. from Clemson Agricultural College, Dr. Bennett was honored during his lifetime with medals, plaques and certificates from seven of the country's leading professional societies, the National Audubon Society, the Garden Club of America, and the Izaak Walton League of America. He also received the U.S. Department of Agriculture Gold Medal for Distinguished Service.

Elected to the North Carolina
AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME
1966