of the extension department of the United States Department of Agriculture. They 

 have been a most potent influence for public good during the short time they 

 have been in operation in the state and have a large and enthusiastic membership. 

 More progress has been made in the organization of these bureaus in Montana than 

 in any other state. 



The American Society of Equity has a large membership in Montana and in 

 consequence a large number of cooperative farmers' elevators are in operation. 



With fewer members, perhaps, but with the same sincerity and zeal, the 

 Farmers' Union, a branch of the big national organization is beginning work along 

 lines which will result in great public good. Likewise the Grange, the old stand-by 

 of farm organizations, has been in the field for some time working as conscientiously 

 for the uplift and betterment of rural life as it did fifty years ago. The Union and 

 the Grange are doing much to develop to the fullest extent, the social side of 

 farm life. 



Even where there are no recognized farm organizations at work, there are 

 many community efforts in the way of progressive farm clubs, boys' and girls' clubs, 

 women's clubs, civic leagues and Chautauquas in the towns to promote community 

 life and agricultural awakening. Livestock shows and farmers' picnics help to 

 make country life attractive. All of these institutions are doing a good deal to 

 promote road improvement and Montana boasts some of the best rural highways in 

 the country. 



State and County Fairs. 



Another stimulus to better farming is given through the many fairs held in 

 the state each year, from the great state fair to the smallest community or Indian 

 fair. At the local fairs there are good premiums given for all kinds of farm products, 

 livestocks and other exhibits. 



The Montana State Fair, held each year at Helena, is a great state-wide 

 agricultural exposition, which attracts visitors, not only from every section of 

 Montana, but also from many of the other states of the Union, and it is generally 

 recognized as one of the leading agricultural shows in the west. Practically every 

 county in the state contributes generously to the exhibits at this annual event, 

 which arouses intense interest and the keenest competition between the farmers 

 of the various sections of the state. 



The state fair is regarded as an educational institution of incalculable value. 

 It is broad in its scope and wide in its appeals. The farmer gathers inspiration and 

 ideals at the fair, which sends him home with a firm resolution to produce better 

 livestock and better yields of grain. Encouragement and instruction is given the 

 boys and girls. The winners in each county in the potato, corn, calf, canning 

 and bread baking contests are given a free trip to the fair each year. 



Laws for the People. 



The people of Montana accord a generous welcome to outside capital and treat 

 it with entire fairness, while at the same time they insist that capital be also fair 

 with the state and bear its just share of the burdens of taxation. Every branch 

 of legitimate industry is encouraged, while the people amply safeguard themselves 

 with every necessary protection. 



A railroad and public service commission, elected by the people, regulates the 

 rates of all public utilities and of common carriers; a "blue sky" law has been 

 enacted to protect investors from fraudulent promoters; farmers are protecting their 

 seed purchases by a system of free seed inspection; weights and measures and pure 

 food laws are rigidly enforced; child labor is prohibited and truancy laws are 



