734 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



SWINE. 



While the conditions incident to swine raising this year have been al- 

 most universally discouraging, it was a matter of congratulation for the 

 management of the Iowa State Fair that breeders have sufficient confi- 

 dence in their business and sufficient hopefulness for its success that 

 the exposition again comes to the front with a showing of hope un- 

 equaled by that of any other state. It is true that the discouragements 

 of the year reduced the total number of animals in the pens to 2,266, 

 or a reduction of 521 head from the figures of last year. The Duroc 

 Jersey breed met with the greatest falling off, the figures for last year 

 being 986, while this year only 759 head were in evidence. Poland 

 Chinas increased from 702 to 725, Chester Whites decreased from 586 to 

 401, Hampshires from 303 to 297, Berkshires from 120 to 118, Yorkshires 

 from 68 to 63 and Tamworths from 22 to 21. It will be noted that the 

 bacon breeds came nearer to holding their own with reference to num- 

 bers than did the lard type of hogs. In all divisions there were a greater 

 proportion of Iowa breeders than ever before. There was an almost 

 total absence of any of the old-time professional showmen. The exhibits 

 were largely made by breeders who, while hoping for winnings in the 

 competitions, were at the fair for the especial purpose of making sales 

 of breeding animals. While there was a fair inquiry for strictly high- 

 class hogs, it was stated that sales were rather slower than had been 

 anticipated, the situation being due to the prevalence of disease in a 

 great many sections. The management of the Iowa State Fair is to be 

 congratulated for the splendid sanitary condition maintained and for the 

 careful attention and endeavors to promote the interests and welfare of 

 breeders. Awards by breeds are given below. 



DUROO JERSEYS. 



In point of numbers the Duroc Jersey division of the fair leads all 

 others. The character of the exhibits showed the advancement that has 

 been made in recent years and pointed to a still brighter future for the 

 breed. It might be said that it was largely a breeders' show rather than 

 one which presented evidence of art in the fitting and preparation. Con- 

 servative men freely expressed regret that there was so much ground for 

 much of the dissatisfaction voiced with the decisions of the judge. The 

 situation is one that demands candid consideration on the part of pro- 

 moters of the breed and the fair management. No industry possessing 

 the magnitude of that here represented should be permitted to suiter dis- 

 integration and discredit because of the machinations of any part of 

 those in whose interest this show is held. Dissatisfaction was loudly ex- 

 pressed over the fact that a judge recommended officially by the Iowa 

 Duroc Jersey Breeders' Association should not be chosen by the fair 

 management. The prominence of the Iowa State Fair makes it im- 

 portant that the influence which dominates the making of awards must 

 be such as to command the highest respect, not only of those who are 

 engaged in the production of pure-bred animals, but of the entire pork- 

 producing fraternity as well. It is too big an institution to be dominated 



