228 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



literary attainments of the farmers of Iowa, and an evidence of 

 the deep consideration given the fundamental underlying principles 

 of their business, that these men of few opportunities in the field 

 of logic and eloquence should present a program of rare merit in 

 its treatment of the subjects under discussion. The afternoon 

 session was opened by Mr. Wm. D. McTavish, with the delivery 

 of the following : 



PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



A retrospective view of the work accomplished by our association dur- 

 ing the past year, and the conditions prevailing throughout the state, give 

 just reason for thankfulness and felicitation. Although there have been 

 some losses in the swine herds from disease, yet it has been confined to 

 localities and has not become general. The statistics show that on Jan- 

 uary 1, 1907, we had 8,587,500 hogs in Iowa, practically twice the number 

 of any other state. Illinois came next with 4,449,705; Nebraska next with 

 4,080,000. Then Missouri with 3,454,950, and Indiana with 2,924,879, there 

 being only three other states with 2,000,000. Texas, Kansas and Ohio; 

 after which they drop down very rapidly. The total number of hogs in 

 the United States was 54,794,439, so you will see that Iowa produced more 

 than one-seventh of the number of hogs raised in the entire United 

 States. When it comes to pork products we make a still better showing, 

 owing to the heavier weights of our hogs, as shown by the valuation, the 

 valuation of the hogs in Iowa being $81,552,750; those of the entire United 

 States, $417,791,321. Thus it will be seen that Iowa produced a little 

 more than one-fifth of the entire hog product in valuation. Notwithstand- 

 ing this great production, we have realized five and six cents per pound 

 right on the farms during all this time. The hog is truly "making Iowa 

 famous," as well as wealthy. Our association is doing everything possible 

 to promote the welfare of this great industry. Although it has done much 

 in the past, yet there will be much more for it to do in the future which 

 can only be accomplished by being thoroughly organized and working 

 together in harmony. 



We have reason to thank our legislature for recognizing the need of 

 providing more suitable and sanitary quarters for the great swine show 

 at the Iowa State Fair and appropriating $75,000 for the erection of the 

 same. This was sorely needed, not only for the better accommodation 

 of the show, but also as a means of safeguarding the swine herds from dis- 

 ease originating there. If a certificate of health and thorough inspection 

 is now required of all exhibitors before coming on the grounds, there 

 should be no bad results from this show. Much credit is due Hon. John 

 McAllister of Linn county, who was really the father of this measure in 

 the house. It was he who introduced the first bill a year ago last winter. 

 The efficient work of ex-Senator Vale at the same session had much to 

 do with the attitude the senate took towards our bill. The proficient work 

 of Secretary Carlin and the valuable assistance of James Atkinson and 

 W. Z. Swallow have been factors worth mentioning. We should also feel 

 grateful to the state board of agriculture for asking for this appropria- 

 tion. 



