574 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



upon the mind of all the importance of the proper consideration of the 

 creamery patron. 



The creamery patron is the foundation and support of the creamery, 

 for without him there would not be any creameries. The creamery patron 

 is one of the best citizens of this country, pays as much, if not 

 more taxes, in proportion, than any other branch of industry, and is de- 

 serving of the proper consideration by our legislative body, and should 

 be provided with the proper protection for his production and also fur- 

 nished with the best methods by competent instructors of how best to 

 feed the cows, their care, the handling of cream and milk, etc., in order 

 to obtain the most iirofitable result from the business. 



The output of butter in this great dairy state, which has all the natural 

 resources for milk production, has been, according to our state dairy 

 commissioner's report, decreased yearly for the past five years, the 

 largest decrease according to the last dairy report, was during the past 

 year, which is as follows: In 1901, there were 89,376 creamery patrons; 

 in 1902, there were only 81,532, over 8,000 less patrons. In 1901, there 

 were 627,948 cows; in 1902, there were 579,070 cows, a falling off of 

 48,678. The production of butter in 1901 from all the creameries was 

 82,704,944 pounds; in 1902, it was 77,885,696, a falling off in the manufacture 

 of butter at the creameries of 4,819,248 pounds. 



A business that is as profitable as the dairy industry when conducted 

 in an intelligent way in a dairying state like ours, should be on the in- 

 crease in the place of decrease. The decrease in the manufacture of butter 

 in this state has been more harmful than is generally considered. Thou- 

 sands of dollars have been invested in buildings and machinery, which, 

 when caused to cease operation, on account of the shrinkage in patronage, 

 is indeed a great and serious loss. When we consider the shrinkage of the pa- 

 tronage, and the loss of the capital invested in creameries and machinery in 

 this state, it sets one to studying what the causes of the shrinkage and losses 

 are, and its remedies. It has been proven that a pound of butter can be 

 produced at about the same cost that two pounds of beef are produced, 

 providing one possesses the right kind of cows, and feed the proper ratio, 

 and receive the right care. In order to get the best method of handling 

 our dairy cows by practical dairymen to obtain the best results, I would 

 suggest that we interest the creamery patrons in a contest, something 

 about as follows: The methods of the winners be placed on record and 

 extensively advertised. The plan is this: For the Iowa State Dairy As- 

 sociation to give a prize, either in money, or a gold medal, to the creamery 

 patron, or patron of a cheese factory that can show the best record for 

 one year from his cows by presenting the statement of the secretary of the 

 creamery or cheese factory, number of cows, pounds of milk and test. The 

 one showing the greatest amount of butter fat from his herd for a 

 year to receive first prize, and the next one in order, to receive the second 

 prize, which would, to some extent, have an affect of interesting our 

 patrons more in our association. The creamery patron should become a 

 member of this great dairy association and take the advantages of this 

 great organization, which is now largely composed of members, who are 

 not producing the milk. 



