As early as 1911, Hutton began issuing warnings that the soil would not stand up to the abuse of intensive cultivation. Farming, he urged, “must be adapted to the soil and rainfall conditions for the area.” Not all land should be plowed but left for pasture.
Hutton documented with photographs the damaged done by drought and soil damage done by improper farming practices. His notes for this photo are: “Serial No. 33-126:- NE Corner of NE1/4 Sec. 36-112-64, Allen township. Arthur C. Stegeman Farm, Wolsey Area. Cattle eating oats on listed land. Blowing on this particular field was stopped by listing at right angles to the prevailing winds, but the sand from the neighboring Geister place is beginning to fill it in. Oats, listing and pigeon grass have stopped the blowing away of his land and the farmer is getting some returns by grazing cattle on it. (9/19/35)"
The exhibit Drowning in Dirt: Joseph Hutton and the Dust Bowl is opening at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum on Feb. 27, 2023. Come visit the Museum and learn more about Professor Hutton’s work, the 1930s Dust Bowl and its effects on South Dakota.