3x4 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



let some one else reap the benefits. It is encouraging to find that 

 at least three-fourths of the mem])ers have taken these calves 

 with that purpose in mind. 



A show will be held in connection with the sale at the end of 

 the period. Many premiums are to be awarded to the boys and 

 girls who have made the greatest development and improvement 

 in their calves during this time. 



COMMUNITY DAIRY SHOWS. 



In order to make the work as practical as possible; community 

 dairy shows were conducted wherever the business men and farm- 

 ers would co-operate in making such shows a success. At most 

 places the merchants and commercial clubs gave their hearty co- 

 operation and offered attractive cash and merchandise prizes for 

 the best animals exhibited. 



The dairymen and farmers also contributed their share by bring- 

 ing in representative cows from their herds. All breeds of cattle, 

 whether grade or pure bred, were shown which gave an opportunity 

 for the comparison of the different breeds and types. 



The cows were placed in accordance with their milking qualities 

 and the premiums awarded after every animal had been gone over 

 and full explanation made of the defects and good points. 



The community dairy shows have been a means of bringing home 

 to the owners of the cows shown the difference between the profit- 

 able and unprofitable animal. Those who took part were encour- 

 aged to determine further the real value of their herds by weigh- 

 ing and testing the milk. Considerable friendly rivalry was cre- 

 ated among the exhibitors, which will undoubtedly in many in- 

 stances lead to better feed and care for the average herd of milk 

 cows, 



CARE FOR THE AVERAGE HERD OF MILK COWS. 



Boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years who could 

 weigh and test milk from three or more cows for three consecutive 

 months were again given an opportunity to enter the third milk 

 record contest conducted by the Association. Although the num- 

 ber of contestants was smaller than usual, there was a great deal 

 of interest in the work and many commendable reports and essays 

 were received. 



Each contestant was required to compile a monthly report of 

 the production, cost of feed, and net profit of every cow tested. 



