FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART XII. 699 

 JACKSON COUNTY. 



B. D. Ely. 



Fair held at Maquoketa, September 1, 2, 3 and 4, 1903. 



The fair was the most successful one in the history of the society, 

 both from a financial and exhibition point of view, the attendance being 

 large and exhibits in all departments well filled. The attractions gave 

 satisfaction, and the evening concerts were well attended. 



The hay crop was the largest had for a number of years. Small 

 grain was of the average yield and quality. Corn is not very promising, 

 but favorable weather without early frosts will improve its condition in a 

 great measure. 



As usual the grade of cattle and sheep is improving each year, as is 

 also that of swine. 



Horses are abundant, and of a grade that sell well on the market. 



There is more attention being paid to poultry breeding than in former 

 years, the poultry association having awakened an interest in the busi- 

 ness, and farmers recognizing that it is a profitable industry. 



JASPER COUNTY. 

 C. W. Campl)ell. 



Fair held at Newton, September 7, 8. 9 and 10, 1903. 



The fair was not a very successful one financially, owing to rain and 

 unfavorable weather prevailing throughout the week, yet the society paid 

 all bills in full, and eighty per cent of the premiums. 



Generally speaking the season was backward, being cool with exces- 

 sive rains. There is not much winter wheat raised, but the yield and 

 quality were good. Spring wheat yielded well, and was of a fair quality, 

 although damaged some by rust. 



Oats were below the average both in yield and quality, being light 

 weight and damaged to a great extent by rust. Barley sown yielded 

 fairly well though damaged some by rains. 



A favorable fall has done much for the corn crop, as the cool wet 

 summer retarded its growth to a great extent, also owing to excessive 

 early spring rains a great deal of it was late in being planted. 



There was an immense crop of hay, some yielding as high as four 

 tons per acre, and was generally put up in good condition. Pasturage 

 was exceptionally good. 



Early potatoes were of a fair yield and quality, while late potatoes 

 had a poor yield but of a fair quality. 



Apples did fairly well. There was a good yield of peaches, but were 

 damaged some by rains. Grapes were exceptionally good, both in quality 

 and yield. Strawberries and small fruit were generally good. 



Farmers are prosperous and generally seem contented with the sea- 

 son's crop.^ 



