16 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



part of the state, which ought of itself to insure a large attend- 

 ance but the strong program provided ought surely to make this 

 the largest and best meeting the Association has ever held. 



The awakened and renewed interest in dairying and dairy 

 methods means much to this great state, with over 1,000,000 

 cows and the wealth resulting therefrom. 



Although you have worked hard, and will work hard until 

 this convention is closed, I predict for you much satisfaction and 

 profit as a result of this meeting. 



My home is at Marengo, McHenry County, 16 miles from 

 the Wisconsin state line, and situated in the heart of the great 

 dairy district from which Chicago draws her milk supply. 



It was 35 years ago that this Association was organized in 

 Woodstock, our county seat. The first president was from 

 Elgin, in the county which joins us on the south. 



Our county is noted for having a large number of students 

 at the Agricultural College at Urbana, showing the interest our 

 young men take in these matters. But it is the result of years 

 of agitation and education along these lines. And yet, at this 

 late day, we are just beginning to learn the rudiments of dairy- 

 ing, and you see we have been at it over 35 years. 



Last year we entertained the association at Marengo, and I 

 personally know the work and energy it takes to entertain a con- 

 vention of this kind, and for that reason more heartily thank you 

 for the cordial welcome we received. But we hope that you will 

 not be so exceedingly busy and "cumbered about with much serv- 

 ing'' that you cannot enjoy the sessions of this convention. 



We hope to bring you something in social intercourse or 

 program that will in part repay you for the effort you so cheer- 

 fully are putting forth. 



The dairy conditions are somewhat different in your locality 

 than in ours. Nearly the whole of the milk produced in our sec- 

 tion goes to the Chicago market. As a consequence, we are short 

 in the production of butter and cheese, so that some other locality 

 must furnish us with a large percentage of that product. So it 



