We need to start promoting proactive conservation instead of reactive conservation. NRCS has embraced soil health as one of their core programs. It is a good start but what we need is a mammoth soil health education campaign to teach farmers, federal and state agencies, regulators, universities, children and the general public. Farmers need to understand how the soil functions before they will value it as a resource. Our government programs need to motivate farmers to adopt soil health principals. Jim Harbach Pennsylvania dairy farmer Jim Harbach will talk about no-till and cover cropping on his 2,200-acre dairy farm in Loganton, Penn Subcomittee Testimony, Sept 18, 2014

David W. SmithDeputy Chief, Soil Science and Resource Assessment

Natural Resources Conservation Service International Year of Soils 2015

As you know, 2015 is the International Year of Soils as declared by the 68th United Nations General Assembly.USDA, and particularly NRCS, have been celebrating soils and soil science during this important year.

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Natural Resources Conservation Service International Year of Soils 2015

The International Year of Soils is helping educate a wide audience about just how essential soil is to so many aspects of life.

2015Soil takes center stage.

The United Nations goal for IYS in 2015 is to create a memorable year demonstrating that the soils community could really contribute to the efforts for food security, hunger eradication, climate change adaptation, poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The International Year of Soils will ultimately lead to a greater appreciation for all that soil provides.

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How it all began..

Internationally, December 5 is recognized as World Soil Day in recognition of the King of Thailands birthday.

The King is a lifelong conservationist and was responsible for 2015 being named IYS.

He turned 87 on December 5, 2014. He is the worlds longest reigning monarch.

Natural Resources Conservation Service International Year of Soils 2015

The King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest reigning monarch, was instrumental in helping declare 2015 as the International Year of Soils, along with the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), a global union of soil scientists. The IUSS honored the Kings efforts by declaring his birthday, Dec. 5, each year as World Soil Day. The International Union of Soil Sciences made a resolution in 2002 to propose the 5th of December, the birthday of His Majesty, as World Soil Day, to honor His Majesty the King of Thailand for his promotion of soil science and soil resource conservation.His daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, was the special guest of honor in New York. It was amazing to witness world leaders coming together to focus attention on soilthe natural resource which is integral to NRCS mission! 3

USDA participated in the United Nations kickoff of International Year of Soils on December 5, 2014, which was also World Soil Day.

Natural Resources Conservation Service International Year of Soils 2015

NRCS and USDA kicked off this important year by being invited to join with other world leaders on December 5th, World Soil Day, in New York City at the United Nations headquarters. Concurrent kickoff for IYS events were hosted in Rome, Bangkok, and Santiago. Folks from all over the planet received copies of NRCS Soils Planners and USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie talked about the importance of soil health and soil science.

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Leadership from USDA and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) met in New York City to discuss collaboration during the International Year of Soils.

Leadership from USDA and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) met in New York City to discuss collaboration during the International Year of Soils.

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Participating in a session of the United Nations: A once in a lifetime experience. Putting conservation in the international spotlight. 6

IYS kickoff at USDA, Washington, DC, January 2015

We celebrated the kickoff of the year with a USDA employee and invited partners event on the USDA patio, headlined by Secretary Vilsack and Chief Weller. This helped engage other USDA agencies and partner agencies in the celebration of the year. 7

National Air and Space Museum

-IYS display at the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, in March -The NRCS exhibit included a hands-on learning experience on how NRCS uses technology to analyze landscapes using stereoscopes and 3-D anaglyphs. -Over 3,000 Girl Scouts and troop leaders from all over the Washington D.C. area attended the event. -Maxine, Amy, and Paul. 8

NRCS helps protect and improve soilresources all over the world

Natural Resources Conservation Service International Year of Soils 2015

Discuss NRCS examples of impact and collaboration on soil science across the globe. Mention support to Texas Tech documentary9

IYS Outreach Efforts

We have an IYS website on the national NRCS Soils webpage where folks can sign up for IYS updates via GovDeliveryThe 2015 planner was designed to reflect the 12 monthly themes designed by the Soil Science Society of America. The first run of 58,000 copies was depleted quickly and a second printing was initiated. A communications plan was developed and shared with NRCS Public Affairs Specialist around the nation who have developed their own outreach plans and festivities centered around IYS.

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The IYS Video Series..

Featuring the monthly themes developed by the Soil Science Society of America.

And now, the premiere of the August video.

Created by Dr. Buz Kloot, University of SC, and Amy Overstreet, Vermont NRCS

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USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider

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