EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART V 311 



farmers' institutes, short courses, and other community gather- 

 ings. It has also resulted in an increased interest in the organiza- 

 tion of farmers' co-operative creameries, cow testing associations, 

 breeders' associations, and calf clubs. 



During the year ending November 1, 1917, representatives of 

 the association met 198 audiences in 51 counties. The records of 

 attendance show that 31,600 people were reached. Of the 198 

 audiences 43 were in attendance at farmers' institutes, 51 at dairy 

 and creamery meetings, and the remaining 104 at meetings con- 

 ducted by the Dairy Association directly. 



The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company co-operated with 

 the Dairy Association in the operation of a special dairy institute 

 train over its line in northwestern Iowa during the month of 

 February. The equipment of this train included a baggage ear 

 and a coach which were used to carry specimens of the leading 

 dairy breeds and exhibits of products, dairy machinery, charts, 

 etc., to illustrate the importance of dairying and the most up-to- 

 date methods of feeding and breeding for the economical produc- 

 tion of milk. This equipment, as in previous years, was fur- 

 nished by the railroad company to the Dairy Association without 

 charge. 



Full day meetings were held at the majority of the toMiis vis- 

 sited. In addition to the regular lecture work, community dairy 

 shows, boys' and girls' judging contests, milk record contests, etc.. 

 were conducted. 



' ORGANIZATION OF CALF CLUBS. 



As a means of starting dairy herds in especially the southern 

 half of the state, the organization of grade dairy calf clubs was 

 begun in March. The purpose of organizing these clubs was to 

 get the younger generation interested in the dairy business by 

 supplying a means whereby they could own a dairy heifer as the 

 foundation for a future herd on their farm. 



It was realized in the beginning that the calves introduced into 

 the community would become the foundation stock for many herds 

 and that the very best type should be used. Eight clubs have 

 thus far been organized — for these more than 600 calves have been 

 purchased and allotted. Four hundred of these were heifers from 

 six to nine months of age, while 200 have been young calves av- 

 eraging from four to six weeks of age. They were bought by 

 representatives of the Dairy Association and a representative from 

 each, community in which the clubs were organized. 



