316 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



It was the prevailing opinion that from the standpoint of balance of 

 classes, uniformity in type and quality, that the Poland China show ex- 

 ceeded that of other breeds^ if not that of any previous year. Approxi- 

 mately 400 animals were shown. W. L. McNutt, Ord, Neb., found many 

 difficult classes. His work for the most part was satisfactory. The aged 

 board class brought out some excellent individuals, headed by Col. Jack, 

 the 1,050-pound board belonging to Fred Sievers. Gersdale Jones 2d, in 

 second place, was shown in breeding condition. He was the stronger in 

 back and bone and stood better on his feet. Robert Halford upset calcu- 

 lations when he drove out Big Improver. This boar, while a trifle small 

 for a senior yearling, had the strength of back, smoothness and bone to 

 win the junior championship and later on grand championship. Big Im- 

 prover was a little mate to the grand champion sow at the Illinois State 

 Fair this year. Grand female championship was won easily by a sow 

 belonging to Fred Sievers. 



The Duroc Jersey show was as strong in numbers as last year, but the 

 quality and size were somewhat lacking. The boar classes, while having 

 a few individuals which were worthy of the top places, contained a num- 

 ber which were not up to what might be expected. The sow classes were 

 better balanced and brought out some very good specimens. The futurity 

 class of sows was excellent. The J. D. Waltermeyer & Sons' herd from 

 Melbourne, Iowa, won many of the firsts and grand championship on the 

 three-year-old sow Grand Lady 65th. The board Pathfinder's Likeness, a 

 senior yearling with lots of bone and stretch, was grand champion. 

 Charles A. Marker judged. Breeders of Duroc Jerseys had very little 

 trouble in disposing of their surplus stock. 



Chester White breeders put on an exhibit of superior quality, although 

 not as strong in numbers as last year. It was very evident that the 

 adherents of this breed are attempting to develop a hog with more scale, 

 stronger bone and shorter and straighter pasterns. Alden Anderson, Story 

 City, won grand championship on the sow Madeline. E. L. Nagle had 

 grand champion boar in the Golden Model, a junior yearling, winning over 

 Prince Big Bone, grand champion at the National Swine Show last year. 

 Prince Big Bone was shown a trifle light in flesh. L. C. Reece, Prescott, 

 Iowa, tied the ribbons on the sow and group classes, the boar classes 

 having been judged before his arrival, by J. W. Brendle, W. T. Barr and 

 W. E. Gaffey. 



Sixteen exhibitors of Hampshires had entries in these classes. The 

 show was larger than last year and was believed to be about the climax 

 exhiliition of the breed. It was made up for the most part of well grown, 

 good quality animals. The boar classes were not as strong as the sow 

 classes. Messenger's herd from Keswick, Iowa, was the best balanced, 

 and to it went mo.st of the blue ribbons and championships. Chas. A. 

 Clarke r, Auljurn, 111., acted as judge. 



THE SHEEP SHOW. 



The sheep show produced evidence that the Iowa shepherds are doing 

 their bit, and a great deal more, to feed and clothe our soldiers and civilians 

 at home and abroad. While many of our shepherds have entered the 

 service, the breeders are taking up the work and the condition of the 

 woolly coats evidenced no lack of skill on their part. Had all of the 

 entries arrived, at least thirty additional pens would have been neces- 

 sary to accommodate the flocks. Many new breeders were exhibiting and 

 while they stood quite often toward the lower end of the line they all say 

 that they will be nearer the top another year. 



That the Iowa farmers are intensely interested in sheep farming was 

 shown by the large crowds which constantly thronged the sheep pavilion. 

 Breeders declare that they could have sold twice as many sheep as they 



