ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 43 



yellow, neither should it be white; that butter had grain and it should 

 not be churned too long and that it should be washed. 



At that time there were a number of farmers bringing butter to 

 market, receiving from 12 to 15 cents. The merchants were constantly 

 complaining of poor butter. Four years ago we organized a butter asso- 

 ciation and have had our butter exhibit in connection with the Farmers' 

 Institute. 



At first we all thought of entering in one class, then decided that to 

 give all a chance, we put separator butter in one class with first and 

 second, and township in classes to themselves, making a first and second 

 premium for each township. Sweepstakes for highest scoring butter. 

 The first year we had thirty entries. Some good butter and some that 

 scored but 70; second year we had 42 entries, and by far better butter in 

 every respect. The sweepstakes scored 96% and the lowest 78. This 

 year we had 54 entries; sweepstakes 95 and lowest 86. It was gratifying 

 to see how eagerly the people examined their score card to see what 

 progress they were making. 



This year our merchants told us that we had driven the poorest but- 

 termakers from the market, but more butter is brought in at present 

 than formerly and of a much better grade. Why not keep the good work 

 going by organizing every county, and secure the best butter for market. 

 We can make as good a score as any creamery butter, if we try. I claim 

 better than butter made from cream handled by so many different people; 

 some are careful, some not. 



I expect our brother creamerymen will differ, but I believe we can 

 do it. The time is not far distant when dairy butter will rank as high, 

 if not higher, than creamery, and will get the same price. That is the 

 case now in Lincoln with many people. They prefer dairy to creamery 

 butter. There is no such a marked difference, as dairy sells from 25 to 

 30 cents. We mean to increase the number of dairies in the country to 

 show the farmers what they can make by going into this work. Sanga- 

 mon, McLean and Logan counties have organized and are doing good 

 work. That is what our State Dairywomen's Association is striving to 

 do, and if we only have the encouragement from the State Dairymen in a 

 good cause, we will succeed. We cannot make too much good butter. 



