466 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



market for dairy products is not as well developed as in the northern 

 portions. In order to be of the greatest assistance, a large part of the 

 recent work has been devoted to the southern half of the state. 



Up to the winter of 1913-14, the department had operated twelve dairy 

 trains. These covered every railroad line in the state and furnished the 

 lecturers an opportunity to reach 595 towns, forty-seven of which were 

 given two meetings, due to the crossing of the various lines. These spe- 

 cial campaigns which covered large areas in a limited time, served their 

 purpose to stimulate interest and create a demand for more detailed in- 

 formation. In order to meet this demand, arrangements were made to 

 hold full day meetings and give practical demonstrations with local stock 

 in addition to the regular programs. 



During the year ending November 1, 1914, representatives of the asso- 

 ciation met 268 audiences in sixty-two counties. The records of attend- 

 ance show that 39,200 people were reached. Of the 268 audiences, forty- 

 three were in attendance at farmers' institutes, eighty-nine at dairy and 

 creamery meetings, and the remaining 136 at meetings conducted by the 

 dairy association directly. 



THE COMMUNITY DAIEY SHOW. 



Community dairy shows were held in conjunction with fifty-eight 

 meetings. These were more successful than had been anticipated and 

 brought out an average of eighteen cows and bulls at each place. The 

 business men at each town co-operated in making the show a success and 

 offered attractive cash and merchandise prizes for the best animals ex- 

 hibited. The dairymen and leading farmers in the communities also gave 

 considerable of their time in encouraging their neighbors to exhibit cat- 

 tle. All breeds of cattle used for milk production, whether grades or pure 

 breds, were entered, which gave an excellent opportunity for comparison 

 of the various types. 



The shows were held in a lumber yard or livery stable which afforded 

 the best place obtainable to stable the animals and furnish shelter for the 

 audiences as well. The programs were opened by leading the best cows 

 into the ring and using them to demonstrate the essential characteristics 

 of good productive dairy type. Questions were then called for and dis- 

 cussions held in which all were invited to participate. 



After the cow demonstration was completed, the ring was made larger 

 or when the weather would permit all the animals were led into the 

 streets, and the judging of the various classes begun. The animals were 

 then placed by the judge in regard to their dairy qualities after which 

 each was gone over carefully and its desirable and undesirable points ex- 

 plained. 



The community Dairy Shows made it possible to reach the man milk- 

 ing a few cows and point out to him by the use of a member of his own 

 herd the difference between the profitable and the unprofitable dairy cow. 

 It was explained to him on his own basis, and he was encouraged to de- 

 termine further the real value of his herd by weighing and testing the 

 milk. Considerable friendly rivalry was created among the exhibitors 

 which will undoubtedly lead in many instances to better feed and care in 

 the average herd of milch cows. 



