208 THE NATIONAL SWINE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION 



of the selection of John T. Stinson for the office of permanent secre- 

 tary was announced. The selection of Cedar Rapids for the show 

 came as a considerable surprise, but centering the show as it did in 

 the heart of one of the greatest swine producing areas the announce- 

 ment was well received, and interest in the event took an early 

 impetus. 



Mr. Stinson located his office at Cedar Rapids, and at once 

 busied himself with campaigns for the securing of memberships in 

 the association. A great deal of missionary work was done to find 

 the most effective methods of securing members, and the results of 

 the efforts were considerable, though the natural reticence of 

 farmers to organize themselves has been apparent throughout the 

 building of the association. The secretary's office kept the members 

 well posted on the happenings in swinedom and was particularly 

 effective in giving authentic reports of all movements of the Food 

 Administration looking toward a realization of the necessary in- 

 crease in pork production. In this regard E. Z. Russell, who re- 

 signed as secretary in favor of Mr. Stinson, gave valuable service 

 as the special representative of the association in "Washington. Mr. 

 Russell was in charge of the swine promotion work of the Bureau 

 of Animal Industry of the Federal Department of Agriculture and, 

 working with the National Swine Growers' Association, his efforts 

 have been effective in making possible the work the association has 

 accomplished. 



Unquestionably the greatest of the three swine shows was that 

 held at Cedar Rapids Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, 1918. The new location 

 found a community alive to the importance of swine husbandry in 

 American agriculture, and the attendance greatly exceeded that of 

 either of the previous events. In fact, the attendance practically 

 equalled the combined attendance of the first and second shows. 

 An inadequate conception of the magnitude of the show on the part 

 of those responsible for its conduct resulted in a rather inadequate 

 preparation for the event, with some discomfort and inconvenience 

 to exhibitors. Neither can it truthfully be said that the judging 

 equaled that of previous years in all breeds, though as a whole 

 criticism in this regard was mild, and the type and standard of 

 breed perfection was not impaired by the decisions made. Hogs of 

 seven breeds were exhibited at this show, both the Large York- 

 shires and Tamworths having classifications. A notable part of 

 the show was the exposition feature promoted by Secretary Stinson, 

 which included a corn, ham and bacon show, machinery and equip- 

 ment, as well as other accessories of interest and entertainment that 

 were cordially received by the visitors. 



At the annual meeting of the association on Dec. 2, 1918, at the 

 Hotel Sherman in Chicago, the annual dinner was dispensed with, 

 owing to the press of business to be transacted. Upwards of two 

 hundred members were present, and it was obvious that the interest 

 in the association had become so great that the. special feature of a 

 dinner was unnecessary to attract them. Officers and members 

 alike viewed the activities of the year 1918 as most encouraging, and 

 the outlook for future as bright. Among the accomplishments of 



