SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK-PART X. 



561 



during the past two years, has been in the southern half of the state. 

 Some of the lowest-priced land in Iowa is located in the southern por- 

 tion of the state. This is a natural grass region and is peculiarly well 

 adapted to the production of those crops which put dairying on a profit- 

 able basis. The shipping facilities of this region are excellent. Therefore, 

 this portion of Iowa is recommended to all parties who are in search of a 

 locality in which dairy farming may be made highly profitable. 



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The Iowa farmer is not content with one modern binder 



During the last few years a large number of establishments which pay 

 the highest market price for poultry and eggs have been located in various 

 parts of the state. The steady demand and the high prices for these 

 products have greatly stimulated production, and many farmers now find 

 that their poultry and egg departments are as profitable as any on the 

 farm. This industry is carried on successfully in all portions of the 

 state, usually in connection with the other lines of farm production, 

 and io one of the factors which add very materially to the chances for 

 success in diversified farming, which is the dominant type in Iowa. 



It is a noteworthy fact that these opportunities along agricultural lines 

 are not open only to the man who has the capital with which to buy land. 

 Thirty-five per cent of the farms of the state are in the hands of renters. 

 Competent renters, and particularly men who handle live stock success- 



The great field of oats makes busy days during harvest. 



fully, are in demand. This class of farmers can secure productive farms 

 on very favorable terms. Cash rents run from two to five dollars per 

 acre. A great many good corn farms are leased for $3 to $3.50 per acre. 

 On this basis, the renter has abundant opportunity not only to make 

 a comfortable living but to gradually accumulate a fund which, in the 

 fullness of time, will assure the ownership of a farm. At the present 

 time, farm laborers command high wages. In no section of the state 

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