TTHRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. 243 



dairying; how he had cleared a farm in his younger days of 

 timber land, and after considering everything on all sides, final- 

 ly concluded to go to dairying, in order to make the most out of 

 it. Mr. Spies still owns and operates a dairy farm at St. Jacobs, 

 111., where he produces certified milk for his dairy company in 

 St. Louis. He has probably the highest butter fat test produc- 

 ing herd of Holsteins that can be found anywhere. Nothing 

 less than 3.6 is allowed to stay in the herd and he has some 

 that have 5 per cent butter fat. 



After the address, a general discussion was entered upon, 

 which brought out a great many needed and practical hints and 

 information, especially in regard to the silo question, as that is a 

 prominent one in the dairy business. 



EFFINGHAM, MARCH 31 



Meeting called to order by President G. W. Hirtzel of the 

 County Dairy Association. 



Minutes of last meeting read by Mr. Goldstein, Secretary of 

 the Association. Minutes approved as read. 



First speaker introduced was M. A. Began, Superintendent 

 of Van Camp Condensory. He spoke in a very interesting way 

 about the present situation, regarding dairying, inasmuch as the 

 home condensing factory was concerned. He gave facts and 

 data about several things of importance to farmers; sending 

 milk to the factory; how everything considered, it was fairly 

 satisfactory, but plenty of room left yet for improvement; how 

 and why the milk should be produced under more sanitary con- 

 ditions, etc. 



At the close of his address he gave the prices for the next 

 six summer months, which were satisfactory to the patrons of 

 the factory. 



Next speaker introduced was Samuel DeBaer, experienced 

 Holstein cattle breeder, buyer and shipper for the Van Camp Co. 

 at Effingham. He gave some valuable information about dairy- 

 ing in Holland, he having been born and raised in Holland. He 



