ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION, 19 



members is desired and I feel assured will be given to sustain 

 my efforts. 



In dairying, as well as in every other occupation, new ideas 

 spring up all along the line; if we keep pace with the times we 

 must consult with those who are leaders in the dairy business; 

 those who are constantly adding to their store of knowledge the 

 lessons learned only by experience. 



Nowhere are offered better opportunities to exchange experi- 

 <ences and ideas than at our conventions, where it is the aim to 

 have the best talent the state and nation afford. 



I have noticed there are some members taking no part in the 

 discussions, who, when they are questioned privately are full of 

 valuable information; we need this information in the discussions 

 that follow the papers and want it in our annual report that the 

 readers may be benefited. I hope every member here will con- 

 sider it his or her duty to join the discussions. 



From time to time the people have demanded a better qual- 

 ity of butter. Butter churned in a wooden dash churn, under 

 existing conditions, don't satisfy the people of this fast age; they 

 demand a better quality of dairy butter, yes, dairy butter is not 

 good enough for many who have their taste cultivated to that 

 standard that the best creamery is none to good, (^the better 

 the quality the greater the consumption). 



There is no reason why the quality should not be further 

 improved; there is no state in the Union where the conditions 

 are more favorable for making butter of the highest excellence 

 than in the state of Illinois. 



Perhaps the reason that there is not more fine butter made 

 in our creameries might be found, to no small extent, at least, 

 in the want of proper care of the cows and milk on the farm, 

 and in transit of milk to the creamery. 



Then, also, many buttermakers are not as particular in 

 receiving milk at creameries and perhaps not as free in giving 

 instructions as to care of milk as they should be. 



My observation has been that there is too much of a dispo- 

 sition on the part of many farmers to get their milk through the 

 weigh can with as little care as possible, regardless of conse- 



