446 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



most is the demonstration work, as seen in feeding and car- 

 ing for animals, the exhibits of live stock, and the judging 

 contests. Social events are also of importance, and an an- 

 nual picnic is popular. Demonstrations of feeding live stock 

 and competitive exhibits of animals are now commonly made 

 by club members all over the United States. These exhibits, 

 especially of cattle, pigs, and chickens, have become large 

 and important parts of the live-stock shows at some of our 

 local and state fairs. At the 1921 Iowa State Fair 416 pigs 

 were shown by members of such clubs. Judging contests 

 are very attractive to the boys and girls. In local commun- 

 ity clubs contests are held to determine who the best three 

 or four live-stock judges are, and these are appointed to 

 participate in county club contests. The best team of three 

 represents the county in a state-wide county contest at the 

 college of agriculture. Demonstrations by club members at 

 fairs are becoming popular, and are both interesting and in- 

 structive. Such a demonstration may show the effects of 

 certain feeds in producing meat or growth. One club at the 

 1921 fair at Sioux City gave a fine demonstration of the com- 

 position of a fleece of wool in scoured fiber, grease, and dirt, 

 and showed how the fleece should be tied for market. 



Prizes for competition of club members or teams have 

 greatly stimulated interest among the boys and girls. These 

 prizes are widely different in character and value. As a 

 general policy it is not desirable to offer cash prizes, unless 

 the money is to be used for some specific educational pur- 

 pose. Educational trips, such as visiting stock farms under 

 proper supervision, and scholarships in agricultural schools 

 or colleges, are most commendable. A local tour in the com- 

 munity in which a club is centered, inspecting the stock on 

 farms or the animals in charge of club members, is usually 

 very attractive to all concerned. In 1921, a team of Texas 

 club boys who had won the highest honors in the South 

 judging live stock made a trip to Europe to visit stock farms, 



