716 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The general condition of the stock on the farms is good, there being 

 no contagious diseases reported in this county. 



The hay crop was all that could be desired, both in quality and 

 quantit}^ and was harvested in good condition. 



Small grain was riot as good as usual, owing to the wet season. The 

 yield was up to the average, but the quality was not so good. 



The corn crop will be a fair average, both in yield and quality, with 

 former years. 



The potato crop was a failure, owing to excessive rainfall. 



The usual number of cattle will be put on feed this fall. 



The pig crop in this locality is above the average, and are in a healthy 

 condition. A noticeable feature at our fair was the improvement in both 

 numbers and quality of the stock on exhibition. Several local herds 

 were exhibited at the fair for the first time, which is a sure indication 

 of the advancement of stock breeding. 



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SIOUX COUNTY. 



James Wallpole. 



Fair held at Rock Valley, September 9, 10 and 11. 1903. 



Very unfavorable weather prevailed throughout the days of the 

 fair. The first day threatening weather kept many at home, but the 

 second day the attendance was good, and on the last day, owing to rain, 

 the fair was abandoned. 



Exhibits in all departments were the best in the history of the 

 society, all pens and stalls being filled, and we could not accommodate 

 all those who wished to make exhibits in Floral Hall, for want of room. 



The excessive rains the past season in this county were very un- 

 favorable to crops. The wheat crop was about the average, and early 

 oats were good, yielding about fifty bushels per acre. Late oats were 

 poor, both in yield and quality. Corn at this writing (September 15th) 

 is practically safe from damage by frost, and will m^ake a fair crop. 



The potato crop was not an average of former years in yield, and 

 are rotting to some extent. 



There is a marked improvement in the quality of all stock bred in 

 this county, and all are in good condition. 



Grass and hay crops of all kinds were exceptionally good this season, 

 and especially alfalfa. 



Land prices range from $70 to $90 per acre. 



SIOUX COUNTY. 



H. Slikkerveer. 

 Fair held at Orange City, September 16, 17 and 18, 1903. 

 The weather for two weeks previous to the fair was almost a con- 

 tinual rain, and prospects for our fair looked bad, but a couple of days 



