94 ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



men. The dairymen of this state cannot give this important matter too 

 much or early consideration if they have an ambition to make Illinois the 

 recognized headquarters for well bred dairy stock. 



An authority, in speaking of our state, says: "Illinois has taken the 

 front rank among butter producing states ; and the butter now made in the 

 creameries of Illinois stands higher in quality and sells for more in the great 

 markets of this country than the butter made in any other state." If we ex- 

 pect to sustain the enviable reputation* now enjoyed by our dairy products in 

 the home and. foreign markets, for the large quantity and superior quality of 

 the butter and cheese made in this state, the best stock must be obtained, 

 and there must be no lack of skill on the part of the manufacturer. 



The determination of the dairymen of this state to largely supply the rap- 

 idly increasing demand for recorded dairy stock will result in the improve- 

 ment of the productive capacity of our cows, as well as the quality of the 

 product, and the gradual displacement of the inferior animals that disgrace 

 so many farms, and make it impossible for the owners thereof to show a 

 creditable or satisfactory bank account. 



There is no reason why this state in the not distant future should not be 

 the recognized headquarters for the best specimens of the various breeds of 

 dairy cattle. The quality of the representatives of the beef breeds raised in 

 Illinois is not surpassed by the cattle produced in any portion of the world, 

 and why should not the dairymen of this state successfully compete with the 

 breeders of Holland, the Island of Jersey, or the Ayrshire district of Scot- 

 land, in raising the most profitable breeds of cows for the production of cheese 

 or butter. 



Until the best quality of well bred dairy stock can be generally intro- 

 duced, much can be done by the dairymen of Illinois to increase the average 

 profits on each cow by the adoption of a standard as to the quality and min- 

 imum yield of milk that each cow must produce to retain her place in the 

 dairy. The adoption of a system of testing each cow in the dairies of this 

 state atid the slaughter of such as were found unprofitable would make a 

 radical change for the better and largely increase the revenues of our dairy- 

 men. 



The number of dairymen who make careful tests of the comparative merits 

 of their cows is increasing each year, and such parties are convmced that 

 time cannot be spent to better advantage than that devoted to weeding out 

 the inferior and unprofitable cows. 



SOIL AND CLIMATE. 



The soil and climate of Illinois, especially the northern half, compares 

 most favorably with any other section for the production of grain and forage 

 of the best quality for a large and rich yield of milk. The soil is fertile and 

 generously responds to good cultivation and the application of manures. 



The cultivated grasses that have demonstrated their superior value over 

 the native or more common varieties, make a luxuriant growth wherever 

 introduced into this State. 



