SOIL SURVEY OF WRIGHT COUNTY, IOWA. 15 



The total number of sheep in the county is given as 6,540 in 1*J2(), 

 and the total wool clip is 28,867 pounds. A few western feeders 

 are shipped in each year from Omaha and Sioux City. Most of the 

 sheep are grades, with some purebred Shropsliires and a few Ox- 

 fords and Southdowns. 



The horses raised in the county are mostly farm chunks and light 

 drafters. In 1920 there were 15,465 horses in the county, and 543 

 mules. A few colts are raised every year to take the place of the 

 older animals which are sold. From 8 to 12 horses usually are kept 

 on each farm. A few purebred Percherons are raised, mostly 

 around Rowan and Solberg. There are also a few purebred Shires 

 and Belgians. 



Dairying, at one time a very important industry in Wriglit 

 County, is now carried on in only a small way. The production is 

 barely sufficient to supply farm needs and the local markets. Most 

 of the dairy cattle are grade Holstein and grade Shorthorn, with 

 a few of the Jersey and Guernsey breeds. There are a few excel- 

 lent dairy herds in the county^ located mostly around the larger 

 towns, where the products are locally consumed. Cooperative 

 creameries are located at Clarion, Belmond, Goldfield, and Eagle 

 Grove. Cream-buying stations are located in nearly every town. 



Poultry raising is an important industry. Every farm has a 

 flock that yields a good annual revenue. The number of poultry 

 on farms January 1, 1920, is given as 245,222 chickens and 7,943'' 

 other poultry, and the eggs obtained during 1919 amounted to 

 957,790 dozens. Considerable attention is paid in some localities to 

 purebred chickens. Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Reds, White 

 and Buff Wyandotte, and Barred Plymouth Rock have the preference 

 in the order named. A good many ducks and geese, some turkeys, 

 and a few guinea fowds are also raised. The products are marketed 

 through local buyers, who ship to larger markets. 



Corn is the most important field crop in the county and occupied 

 106,805 acres in 1919. It is grown on practically all soil types. The 

 average yield is fairly constant. Moisture conditions, however, 

 cause considerable local variation. The black prairie soils, where 

 well drained, will produce on an average slightly higher yields than 

 the lighter and more rolling sandy types of soil. The average yield 

 for 1919 was 38.9 bushels per acre. According to an estimate from 

 the local farm bureau, an average of from 40 to 45 bushels is pro- 

 duced. White and yellow dent corn are grown exclusively. A gen- 

 eral preference is shown for the yellow corn, with Reids Yellow 

 Dent, 16 to 20 row, holding first place. Other popular varieties 

 grown are Silver King, Little Iowa, Silver Mine, Minnesota 13. and 

 Murdocks Yellow Dent. The slower heavy soils and the climatic 

 conditions have necessitated selection of early-maturing varieties. 



