FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART III. 177 



IOWA'S CORN AND HOG PRODUCT. 



This subject, which was the first on the program, was pre- 

 sented by Jas. Atkinson, of Des Moines, and his paper is here 

 given in full : 



An examination of statistics relating to Iowa's hog and corn product 

 reveals the fact that in both these commodities this State stands out as a 

 leader, considering the matter from the standpoint of quality or total value. 

 On January 1, 1904, Iowa owned 16 per cent of the hogs of the United 

 States, these representing the value of practically $50,000,000. This is a 

 significant fact, inasmuch as it means that our people are converting a very 

 large proportion of their grains and grasses into the higher priced products, 

 thereby keeping the fertility at home. Of course, our ability to produce 

 hogs is based upon the fact that conditions are almost ideal for the produc- 

 tion of corn — the grain above all other grains which, if properly used, is the 

 best hog food on earth. 



1 attach considerable significance to the phrase inserted above, "if prop- 

 erly used." There are those among our people who are engaged in swine 

 husbandry whose real occupation is signified by the term "corn hauler" 

 rather than "hog breeder." These men accomplish much in the direction 

 of reducing the size of their hogs, as well as their vigor, while at the same 

 time they are constantly tending to lessen their prolific qualities. These 

 accomplishments are not necessarily the result of using corn, but rather 

 abusing it by employing methods that are not strictly common sense in 

 character. 



Statistics reveal one fact upon which we may ponder with profit, namely, 

 that the average value per head of the hogs in this State is low compared 

 with many other states of the Union, and while several factors, many of 

 which are in no way discreditable, enter into this phase of the question, yet 

 undoubtedly much may be accomplished by way of increasing the value per 

 head of our hogs by freer use of good blood and by the employment of sen- 

 sible methods of feeding. 



I have no sympathy with those who advocate cutting corn out of our hog 

 ration in ( rder that we may increase the stamina, lengthen the body and 

 multiply the prolific power of our swine, because, while these are all 

 commendable, yet we must not lose sight of the fact that under our con- 

 ditions there is more money in the short, fat hog fed on corn than there is 

 on the long hog that must be fitted for market on the 

 higher priced by-products and grains that are not produced in their highest 

 perfection in this State. The fact that our best farmers are able to grow 

 upward of 3,000 pounds of good corn to the acre is significant, inasmuch as 

 this amount furnishes about three times the feeding value that can be 

 obtaineOi from the other cereals. We must, therefore, ever be on the alert 



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