710 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Owing to the unfavorable season all crops were retarded in early- 

 planting and maturing. Hay, however, was an exceptionally good crop, 

 while oats and other small grains were light, both in yield and quality. 

 Corn at this writing (September 23d) is maturing rapidly, and will yield 

 a two thirds cr'op. 



Land values range from $50 to $100 per acre. 



MARION COUNTY. 



Chas. Porter. 



Fair held at Pella, September 29 and 30 and October 1 and 2. 1903. 



The fair was a very successful one, taking into consideration that 

 we had but one day of favorable weather, as all departments were well 

 filled, and the gate receipts were more than the management expected 

 under the unfavorable weather conditions. 



In the stock classes the showing far surpassed all previous exhibits, 

 and especially was this true in the showing made of draft horses. We 

 still claim the best poultry show made at any county fair in the State. 



Our crops were harvested mostly in good shape. Pasturage has been 

 excellent throughout the season, and all live stock is in good conditi'on. 



Farmers in this vicinity have been very sucessful the past two sea- 

 sons, with good crops of corn and no hog cholera. In every pasture a 

 good crop of shoats may now be seen. 



Our farmers are using cream separators and are paying more atten- 

 tion to the dairy industry, which means more diversified farming, and 

 this, in the opinion of the writer, depends the success of our farmers in 

 the future, as land has enhanced in value until we must) derive, if pos- 

 sible, more and greater returns from each acre, and good stock will also 

 be a redeeming feature. 



MILLS COUNTY. 



I. J. Swain. 



Fair held at Malvern, September 1, 2 and 3, 1903. 



Agricultural conditions in this county, while in a degree satisfactory, 

 are still somewhat below the average, no crop being above. The wheat 

 crop appears to be nearest the average of former years, while oats 

 and corn are not so good. Apples and all small fruit were a disappoint- 

 ment, and peaches and potatoes were practically a failure. It is doubt- 

 ful if there is enough potatoes for home consumption. Rye, flax, buck- 

 wheat and sorgum are not grown to any great extent, and can hardly be 

 considered a part of the agricultural interests of this county. 



The outlo'ok for the corn crop at this writing (September 28th), tak- 

 ing into consideration the acreage planted, will not yield more than a 

 half crop of sound merchantable grain. Even barring killing frosts be- 



