290 Wisconsin state agricultural society. 
FACTS CONCERNING FARMERS’ CLUBS. 
BY H. L. SKAVLEM, NEWARK. 
In contributing my mite to the success of this convention, I 
bring neither brilliant eloquence nor flowery language, neither 
have I time or ability to discuss the laws of supply and demand, 
or the complicated questions of transportation and middlemen. 
But as a farmer, speaking to farmers, I hope to be able to give 
you a few interesting facts. As practical farmers you have long 
ago learned that one fact is better than a dozen theories. Let 
others then discuss theories and give us their speculative views 
on the many questions of the day. I shall deal only with facts 
as they have appeared to me, and only with such as con¬ 
cern Farmers’ Clubs. Time is precious and I shall not occupy 
your attention by giving my ideas on what may be accomplished, 
but shall endeavor to briefly state what has been done by the 
organization of Farmers’ Clubs in certain localities, leaving you 
to decide whether or no you can “ go aod do likewise.” 
The “ Newark Farmers’ Club,” of Rock county, was organized 
before we heard anything about the Farmers’ Movement or Pat¬ 
rons of Husbandry. Organized by a few practical, intelligent 
farmers, on a broad and liberal basis, not only for their own indi¬ 
vidual benefit but for their friends and neighbors as well, the club 
has steadily increased in numbers and usefulness. When first or¬ 
ganized it could not tally a dozen members. Now it has a mem¬ 
bership of over one hundred. Other clubs have sprung up in the 
neighboring towns and these again have been organized into a 
county association, and now the southwestern part of Rock 
county is in all probability the most thoroughly organized farming 
community in the state. 
But what has been gained ? What have we accomplished by 
this organization ? 
This apparently simple question is not so easily answered. We 
have already gained ; we have already accomplished so much, that 
the value thereof cannot be computed in dollars and cents. The 
