TWENTIETH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART II 111 



A few years ago a large percentage of the blue and red ribbons were 

 invariably won by the older experienced breeders and showmen, but not 

 so any more. During the past few years it is not unusual for some young 

 breeder who started right by buying a few first-class individuals of the 

 best recognized blood lines, to appear at the state fair with one or more 

 outstanding individuals and take away a first and now and then a cham- 

 pionship. Breeders are striving harder every year for a high place 

 among the winners in their particular breed because of the recognized 

 effect Iowa State Fair winnings have upon future sale prices. It is 

 quite generally recognized that the Iowa State Fair has a live-stock ex- 

 hibit superior to that of any fair in the United States. 



boys' and gikls' baby beef show. 



There were 156 baby beeves in this year's baby beef show, entered 

 by boys or girls between the ages of 10 and 19' years. These young 

 farmers purchased their calves last fall and began feeding them and 

 keeping records of the amount and kinds of feed fed and the gains made. 

 Complete records of their feeding operations were required to be sub- 

 mitted to the state club leader at Ames and the boys were given a grade 

 on the eflBciency of their feeding operations. In most cases the county 

 agent in each county having a baby beef club leader organized the county 

 club and assisted the boys who needed help in securing a satisfactory 

 calf to feed. In practically every instance the local county fair associa- 

 tion introduced special baby beef classes for the young feeders to en- 

 courage them to take good care of their calves and exhibit them at their 

 home fair. 



To one who has not been following the junior club work being carried 

 on in Iowa, a walk through the Baby Beef Club barn was an eye opener. 

 The knowledge which these young farm boys and girls have acquired 

 in the art of feeding and fitting baby beeves for show is nothing short 

 of marvelous. One of the most interesting times to observe these young 

 herdsmen was when they were competing with one another in the show 

 ring. From their keen observation of the older, more experienced herds- 

 men they have learned the art of showing their calves to the best ad- 

 vantage. For example, they have learned how to keep their calves 

 standing square on their feet, how to make them show a straight top 

 line, how to hold their head to cover up possible hollowness behind the 

 shoulders, etc. 



On Thursday afternoon the calves were sold at public action to the 

 highest bidder. The sale this year was the most satisfactory and pleas- 

 ing to the boys of any sale that has been held on the Iowa State Pair 

 grounds. Most of the calves sold at around $20 a hundredweight. Buy- 

 ers from Armour & Company, Swift & Company, Wilson & Company, 

 the Morrell Packing Company and the Iowa Packing Company were 

 spirited bidders. Black Beauty, a salf owned, fed and shown by Elva 

 Probst, of West Liberty, Iowa, brought the highest price. The auc- 

 tioneer's hammer dropped on John Morrell Company's bid of $28 per 

 hundredweight. The calf weighed 1,060 pounds, which at $28 brought 

 its young owner $296.80. Out of gratitude to the auctioneers who will- 



