470 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Two special dairy trains were operated during the months of January 

 and February, 1915. Each trip was three and one-half weeks in length. 

 The lines of the Chicago Great Western, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 

 Paul, and the Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Northern were covered. In each 

 case the railroad companies furnished the equipment absolutely free of 

 charge to the Association. 



These trains were operated in a similar manner to the one described 

 over the Burlington. Half day and full day meetings were held at each 

 town. In addition to the regular lecture work, community dairy shows, 

 boys' and girls' judging contests, milk record contests, etc., were con- 

 ducted. More extensive exhibit cars were carried on these trains than 

 on any previous campaigns. 



The calls from the farmers' institutes for speakers were more numer- 

 ous this year than heretofore. Twenty-one institutes were attended and 

 a large number of requests could not be accepted, because of the other 

 work which was being carried on at the same time. 



Several dairy short courses were also conducted. These were in the 

 older dairy communities where detailed information was required. These 

 were three days in length and instruction in breeding, feeding, testing, 

 dairy cattle judging, etc., was given. Although the special dairy short 

 course was new, the attendance was very good at each of these con- 

 ducted. 



The creamery picnic during the summer months has become very 

 popular, and a larger number of these were held during the past year 

 than ever before. Such gatherings are an excellent means of bringing 

 the patrons together in a social way as well as to hear the practical dis- 

 cussion of subjects essential to the improvement of conditions on the 

 farm. 



During the spring and fall months when the work is urgent on the 

 •farm and it is therefore difficult to hold meetings, bulletins are sent to 

 the local newspapers. These contain timely suggestions which assist 

 the farmer in solving the problems which confront him with reference 

 to his dairy herd. They are written with the idea of assisting the cream- 

 eries in improving the quantity and quality of raw product. The news- 

 papers are lending their assistance by giving the information a promi- 

 nent place in their columns. 



One of the most important features of the work has been the establish- 

 ment of a great dairy show in conjunction with the annual convention. 

 This year the show was unsurpassed by any similar event. It brings dairy 

 cattle breeders with their choice animals from every part of the United 

 States and offers the farmers of not only lewa, but the Mississippi Valley 

 an opportunity to become acquainted with the various breeds. Premiums 

 are offered for butter, cheese, and milk which, in addition to the display 

 of dairy appliances and farm implements, bring thousands of prosper- 

 ous farmers. The convention proper is held in a building on the grounds, 

 and subjects of interest to the buttermakers, creamerymen and dairy- 

 men are discussed by authorities of national reputation. 



The Iowa State Dairy Association in all of its work has been assisted 

 in a large measure by the other dairy interests of the State. Chief among 

 these is the Dairy and Food Department which had a number of speakers 



