5 52 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



THE BEEF CATTLE DIVISION. 



THE SHORTHORNS. 



It was largely an Iowa show, although a few exhibitors registered from 

 other states. The conflict in dates with Ohio kept several strong circuit- 

 following herds away from Des Moines. It would scarcely be expected 

 that the absence of these herds failed to lower the average of excellence. 

 It certainly did. At the tops .of the classes appeared animals of high 

 degree, but frequently the descent in character was quite pronounced. 

 Numbers were impressive, and many cattle would answer admirably the 

 requirements of local shows, although failing measurably to meet the 

 standard which has long been set in this arena. Enough top cattle ap- 

 peared to stir enthusiasm, and in the younger classes the average of 

 merit was appreciably higher than in the older. 



Another satisfactory experience with a foreign judge is recorded. J. L. 

 Reid, Crombly Bank, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, came over to assign positions 

 among the Shorthorns at Iowa and at the Toronto Exposition, and his 

 task here was performed in workmanlike fashion, with always a reason 

 to those who asked. He indulged in no unnecessary handling, but was a 

 little particular about smoothness at the tail head. The competition was 

 so close in several instances as to permit variety of view but exhibitors 

 appreciated the services of an experienced, successful and unprejudiced 

 breeder from overseas. 



Rarely is such improvement registered as Sulton Mine reveals. What- 

 ever awaits this champion Shorthorn bull he is to be pronounced one of 

 the most satisfactory from all view points that has been developed in 

 years. He is fit to the minute, and the type and smoothness of covering 

 are highly gratifying. He shone somewhat by contrast in his company of 

 aged bulls, but he will radiate a luster all his own in any company. Hope- 

 ful Knight is a red of splendid beefy stamp and smooth. Thick and 

 massive is the roan Golden Grove. Monarch Viceroy has more scale but 

 less smoothness than the one set above him. The character of the class 

 was on the average disappointing, as it tailed down rather sharply. The 

 two-year-olds were very creditable, and the roan Hampton's King led 

 them — a bull of presence, growthy character and deep body smoothly 

 covered. He finally achieved the Iowa championship against one of the 

 sensational younger bulls. Much masculine character is manifest in 

 Imperial Victor, a red of considerable bulk and levelness. A stubborn 

 contest developed among the senior yearlings which included a number 

 of good youngsters. The red Foxy's Favorite seemed to win by reason of 

 his undeniably massive middle. In either end he scarcely measured up 

 to the standard set by the roan Royal Cumberland, which has size and 

 square fashioning to his credit, being lined out well. Much burden of 

 favor ran toward the roan Count Avon for chief honors here. He is not 

 burdened with cover, and for lack of it he was left down third, but for 

 type and character he loomed strikingly in the eye. 



Some splendid youngsters did brave battle among the junior yearlings, 

 led by a sensational sort. They say that King Cumberland 2d is a better 



