242 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



of the difference between good and poor cows. He said that 

 few farmers really knew the difference between their good and 

 poor cows. The only way to distinguish them is the scales 

 and the Babcock test. He advised using pure bred sires and 

 raising calves from the best cows and thus breed up the dairies 

 to a high standard. 



An attempt is being made to organize a cow-testing associa- 

 tion in this vicinity. A good start has been made, and the out- 

 look for one in the near future is very promising. The associa- 

 tion is described to be as follows : 



Twenty-six dairymen unite for the purpose of having their 

 cows tested for the production of butter fat. Each dairyman 

 pays from 50 cents to $1 a cow, and a competent man is furnish- 

 ed by the university, who goes about among the members of the 

 association, staying a day at a time, and going once a month for 

 twelve months. 



While with the dairyman he tests the milk, night and morn- 

 ing, of each cow, weighs the feed and consults with the owner 

 on all essential points. At the end of the year he figures up 

 just how much each cow has consumed, and just how much 

 butter fat each one has produced, thereby showing the farmer 

 which cows are profitable. The association owns the testers, 

 each farmer his own scales, and the man's salary is paid from 

 the membership fee. The association is to hold for one year. 



After the addresses were given many stayed to question 

 and compare notes, showing their interest in these vital matters 

 was genuine. 



ALTAMONT, APRIL 23 



Meeting called to order, with an introductory address by 

 Director A. F. Jansen about the present situation and develop- 

 ment, the advantage and possibilities of daiiying for Effingham 

 County in particular, and this section of the State in general. 



Next speaker introduced was L. A. Spies, President of 

 Union Dairy Co. of St. Louis. He followed an introductory 

 talk by going into detail about the several phases of successful 



