432 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



in every class, and in a number of cases herds without records as win- 

 ners were brought out in excellent form this year, and with honor and 

 credit to the breed carried away many of the- coveted ribbons. The 

 cattle department of the fair in its management reflects no small amount 

 of credit on Superintendent Packard. He has succeeded remarkably 

 in giving all exhibitors a square deal; he has put on competent judges 

 and his arrangements facilitate judging to the greatest possible extent 

 and at the same time make sight-seeing in the cattle rings agreeable 

 to visitors. It was no off year in the matter of numbers, but, as said 

 before, the dropping out of ten or a dozen good herds made a breach 

 that was plainly apparent to the old-timer. 



SHORTHORNS. 



Without saying anything that would be a discredit to the other beef 

 breeds, the Shorthorns were one of the most prominent features of the 

 cattle display. This was due both to the numbers shown and the general 

 excellence. To some there appeared to be less uniformity than in other 

 of the beef exhibits, but this was more imaginary than real on account 

 of the larger number of animals and the greater chance for variation. 

 The work of placing proceeded slowly and lasted throughout the week. 

 There were 166 competing animals and this meant full rings through- 

 out. As many as twenty-two lined up in one or two. At times the whole 

 west portion of the judging pavilion was monopolized by Shorthorns 

 and short leets were a necessity. Competition was active for winners, 

 though some entries shown were below the Iowa standard. From the 

 younger classes came the larger number of entries, and excellent quality 

 and good type were evident in every ring. Good, useful breeding stock 

 was more in evidence than extremely high conditioned stuff. Winners 

 of last year's prizes were few, but conspicuous wherever they appeared. 

 Twenty-two herds entered by Iowa breeders made up the greater part 

 of the display and may be partly accounted for by the special Iowa 

 prizes offered. Of these herds Burge, Edwards and Saunders were the 

 most consistent winners. F. W. Harding showed in his usual style and 

 with much success, securing a good share of firsts, also supplying the 

 champion male and female. Tomson brought out a quartet of red females 

 in the get of sire class that for even, deep covering and type would be 

 difficult to duplicate anywhere. Part of his herd was at disadvantage 

 for lack of high fitting. J. H. Miller of Peru, Indiana, judged through- 

 out the show. 



HEREFORDS. 



The Herefords made a very presentable showing for the first display 

 of the season. Among the older herds of the fair circuit were some 

 unusually -strong" animals, and while there was some stock that fell 

 below the standard for a fair of Des Moines' rating, these were found 

 in the nands of less experienced showmen. Though nearly all of the firsts 

 fell to one herd, it was no indication that competition was lacking, for 

 in the aged bull class five animals of very good quality made a difficult 

 bunch to place. A number of very fine young things were brought out. 

 The champion bull and cow were furnished by the herd from Wisconsin, 



