NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART XIII 787 
IOWA. 
Charles Flktc her, Williamsburg. OcToni-.R, 1908. 
General Condition of Crops and Season — The crop conditions throughout 
Iowa county were above the averago this season and I am pleased to 
note that the farmers generally are improving along all lines of farm 
operations. 
Cor7i — The corn crop will yield above the average owing to greater 
car^ in the selection of seed and in the uniformity of the stand. 
Oats — A fair crop and generally of good quality. 
Wheat — But little raised in this county; but one field of about twenty 
acres that was observed by the writer. 
Rye — None sown to speak of. 
Barley — Occasionally a small field of good quality. 
Flax — Not sow any more in this county. 
Sorghum — Some raised in the southeast townships of the county and 
is of good quality. 
Timothy — This crop especially good this year and a very large acreage 
cut for seed. 
Clover — Especially good crop this year; large acreage cut for seed. 
Prairie Hay — None that I know of. 
Potatoes — The quality is above the average but the yield rather below 
normal. 
Apples — The fall varieties excellent in both yield and quality. 
Other Fruits — The crop of peaches excelled all former years, especially 
in the south half of the county. 
Cattle — Generally high in grade; many herds of pure bred, consisting 
of Aberdeen-Angus, Herefords and Shorthorns. 
Horses — I question if there is a section or county in the state that 
can show better horses generally than we have in our county. 
Swine — Poland China and Jersey Red are the leading breeds. There 
are a few fine herds of Chester Whites and think there is a growing 
demand for them. 
Sheep — Too few to be considered. 
Poultry — This is a great industry and the greatest money producer 
in Iowa county today is the hen, for she brings in more dollars in propor- 
tion to expenditure of feed and labor than any other industry; our dealers 
paid the farmers of the county, during the last season, the sum of 
$88,000 for poultry and poultry products. 
Drainage — Much attention has been given to drainage and practically 
all waste lands have been redeemed by a system of tile drainage. 
Lands — Values have increased, ranging from $100 to $160 per acre, de- 
pending upon the location. 
Report of Fair — The Williamsburg Fair Association held its eleventh 
annual exhibition on September 15, 16 and 17. The secretary is pleased 
to note the growing interest that is manifested in the educational ad- 
vantages accompanying this well organized fair. The lessons learned at 
the annual fair, through the friendly contests of display, have a tendency 
to encourage a spirit in each exhibtor to excell in what is produced on 
the farm, in the orchard, in the field, and in the home. Each department 
