282 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



that thirty years ago 60 per cent of the farm lands in that county 

 were under mortgage, and the average price of the land was $22 

 per acre. They took up dairying and formed various organiza- 

 tions to assist them, and now with only 35,000 inhabitants, they 

 have over 40,000 dairy cows, the average price of farm land is 

 more than $100 per acre, they operate 70 creameries, most of 

 which are owned by the farmers, and the dairy farmers alone have 

 more than $2,000,000 on deposit in the banks. 



Such a showing taxes one's credulity and I feel safe in saying 

 such results could not have been obtained except through co-oper- 

 ation. If Northern Wisconsin, with her cold, bleak winters, can 

 accomplish so much in so short a time, what should Missouri, witli 

 her milH winters and wonderful advantages, be able to accomplish 

 if thoroughly organized? If Missouri will proceed along the lines 

 which Wisconsin has proved to be so successful her march to the 

 front will be amazing in its rapidity. 



While Missourians are noted for their pride in and love for 

 their State, how much will this be augmented when Missouri has 

 taken her place in the realm of states to which her natural advant- 

 ages entitle her. And as there are several here from other states, 

 I wish to serve notice upon them now that when Missouri is once 

 thoroughly aroused, she will stand second to none. That what- 

 ever of excellence another state may attain along any line, Missouri 

 has sleeping within her bosom the resources to duplicate or beat it. 



But I have been asked to say something of the Ozark Dairy 

 Association. It is an organization of about 300 dairy farmers who 

 own 2,000 cows, and during the grass season sells about 30,000 

 pounds of butter fat per month. It was organized in May, 1908, 

 for the purpose of selling cream to better advantage than its mem- 

 bers as individuals had been able to do. Its first sale of cream 

 was made on May 19th, and shipment made May 23rd. It is com- 

 posed of nine stations, each having a local organization which has 

 full control of all its local affairs, owns its own testing outfit, 

 makes the tests upon which the sales are made and elects three 

 members of the general organization. 



The selling is done by a committee consisting of one member 

 from each local station, which has full control of the sales, under 

 the supervision of the general organization. This plan has proven 

 to be simple, practical and satisfactory. Through it both price 

 and tests have been advanced to such extent that the members have 

 realized about six thousand dollars more for their cream during 

 the last seven months of 1908 than they would have received had 



