Breeders' and Growers' Associations 97 



"3. The herd books and records kept by the associa- 

 tion have taught the farmer to appreciate the value of a 

 pedigree in the selection of breeding animals ; 



"4. By cooperating with the cow-test associations and 

 agricultural societies it has become possible to employ 

 many cattle experts, who not only have acted as educators 

 and advisers, but to whom is due the credit for the uni- 

 form and systematic way in which this work is carried on 

 throughout the country. 



"The important part played by the breeders' associa- 

 tions in the improvement of cattle is quite noticeable 

 at the fairs and shows. A few years ago the greater por- 

 tion of the animals exhibited, especially bulls, belonged 

 to individual farmers owning large herds. To-day, not 

 only do more bulls in the show rings belong to the breeders' 

 associations, but these most frequently carry off the high- 

 est honors. By means of these associations, a large num- 

 ber of the smaller farmers who could not afford to keep or 

 buy a high-priced bull for a few cows have had an equal 

 opportunity for improving their herds, as well as equal 

 chances at the shows, with the farmers who own the large 

 herds. Furthermore, they have added greatly to the 

 interest taken hi the shows and fairs, as each member of 

 an association takes a personal interest and pride in having 

 his association bull successfully meet the often very keen 

 competition." 



Cooperative Cattle-breeding in the United States 



The cooperative breeding method is beginning to be 

 applied to a limited extent to the improvement of breeds 

 in the United States, especially in Wisconsin, and to a 



