548 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



English shows, where the object of getting the buyer and seller together 

 is given greater consideration than the competition for prizes. Twice 

 only in the history of the Iowa State Fair has the total number of swine 

 in the pens exceeded that of the present year. In all there were 2,787 

 hogs. The breed divisions are as follows: Duroc Jerseys, 986; Poland 

 Chinas, 702; Chester Whites, 586; Hampshires, 303; Berkshires, 120; 

 Yorkshires, 68; Tamworths, 22. 



Of course, a very great majority of the animals brought to the fair 

 were brought for sale purposes and did not enter into the competitions 

 of the show ring. This situation no doubt, in a measure, accounts for 

 the fact that the swine exhibits of the Iowa State Fair lack the highly 

 finished hogs to a greater degree than the other greater state fairs. Most 

 of those who compete belong to the class which may be called smaller 

 breeders, who have not given the science of breeding extensive study and 

 observation and whose skill in fitting and finishing is limited The re- 

 sults, while, of course, not tending toward a reduction of actual merits, 

 do in fact lessen the attractiveness of the show. It is an accepted prin- 

 ciple in other divisions of live stock shows that the animal which more 

 nearly approaches that form most in demand by the market and at mar- 

 keting time is the better one. It seems that swine breeders at the Iowa 

 show are overlooking this fact and putting into their competitions a 

 share of animals which, while possibly carrying all of the most highly 

 appreciated breed characteristics, are yet not brought to that perfection 

 which demonstrates their possibility as pork producers. 



DXJKOC JERSEYS. 



With 986 animals in the pens the Duroc Jersey breed exceeded all 

 others in numbers. It is an unusual circumstance that with eighty herds 

 represented all but twelve of them were Iowa breeders. There were many 

 large and excellent classes and on the whole the showing was considered 

 one including perhaps as much genuine Duroc Jersey merit as has been 

 gotten together. There was a notable absence in the number of pro- 

 fessional showmen. A very large majority of the animals exhibited 

 came from herds which do not make it a point to round up the fair 

 circuit. This situation is responsible for the fact that there was but 

 very little high fitting. Most of the animals were driven into the ring 

 in the form which might be termed breeding condition. There was not a 

 single animal in the prize-winning lot which might have been considered 

 as sensational. There were, however, many which were most excellent 

 representatives of actual Duroc Jersey type and profitable character. 

 The awards were by Mr. R. J. Harding, of Macedonia, Iowa. 



POLAND CHINAS. 



This was more nearly an Iowa show than has ever transpired in the 

 history of the Iowa State Fair. Sixty herds were represented and only 

 five of them were outsiders. The contentions which have been so promi- 

 nent between factions in Iowa have no doubt been responsible for this 

 situation. Several outside herds which have hitherto been prominent 

 winners have felt that they would not be justified in bringing their herds 



