The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-03-01
SWINE BREEDERS MET
president Parker Gave an Interest
ing Annual Address on the
Swine Industry

~ III IIAlltL dllcl q
o'clock the swine breeders met in
the club rooms with about fifty mem
hers present. President Parker called
the assembly to order and introduced
Mayor ~Hranson, who delivered the
address of welcome to this body of
men who are engaged in one of the
strongest industries in the state to-
day. The mayor paid a fine tribute
to the farmers of South Dakota who
are engaged in the production of reg
istered swine and felt that it was one
of the industries which had been the
means of placing the state on a good
sound foundation, on which a great
structure is being reared.
President Parker delivered his an
nual address to the members of the
association and in which he discussed
the swine question from the stand
point OF a grower, and presented
some interesting facts and figures
relative TO the growth of the industry
in this state alone. In reference to
this President Parker said in sub
stance:
In my small home town. where a
few years ago the shipment of a car
OF hogs was an event, today they go
by the half train Dad and scarcely a
week goes by when some are not
shipping, and all over the older part
of the state the same story is re-
peated. The breeding of registered
stock is growing to immense proper
tions and our people are fully alive
to Its Importance. The scrub, we'll,
friends, it has been so long since
| have seen a genuine scrub, that
| doubt if there is one in the state
and sincerely hope not. know our
state fair didn't have them listed as
a class last fall. | stated earlier
that We loved the hog for what he
had done for us. Do you ask what
he has done, Allow me to give you
a little history. The season of 1877,
produced a wonderful crop of wheat
and farmers, the following season,
carried away by the prospect of quick
riches had put their land almost en-
tirely to wheat. Until July 18TH the
prospect was magnificent and every
one elated. Then came the ever-me-
morable 18th of July, rs, and by
night the wheat crop of practically
the whole northwest was destroyed.
the men farming at that time, the
18th of July, needs no description.
1T gradually dawned on the country
h a the crop was ruined. Yes,
worse than ruined, for many who
tried to save a part of the crop &C
tually lost money handling it. The
days of 10 once more O
aged the farmers and as the old
prophets said that we were sure of
a crop as two crops never failed in
succession, everyone planted all the
wheat they could handle. Then came
another failure, and the northwest
was practically bankrupt. Machin-
cry and store bills had accumulated
and farmers had nothing with which
TO pay. They saw that if they would
live, they must plan to meet their
bills with something else than wheat.
The merchant was as closely crowded
the farmer and could give no fur
lher credit. More attention was
given to the hen and by her industry
barely enabled to live. About
time the creamery came along
md men began to breath easier, but
COY called for heavy expense,
lumber and fencing were high and
BARNS and pasture must be provided,
and how could the already debt-rid-
len country stand the additional ex-
oense.
One way presented itself-increase
he mortgage. and this was done.
Then came the hopeless struggle TO
Day off the mortgage, but with the
added interest and constantly in
'reasing expense the farmer nearly
gave up in despair. Here and there
l long headed individual began buy
.ng up a few brood sows and still re-
the hen and the COW, raised a
lrove of hogs. Wheat was giving
way to corn. The man who first used
he expression, the mortgage litter"
20 designate the hog, certainly must
lave been inspired. l would not say
% dispense with the hen or the COW,
out while they playing an inn
part in the country's devel-
Dpment, the greatest member of the
had as yet had nc chance,
but the day of the mortgage litter
at hand. AS stated, a few men
experimenting, and when they
luiAiiuS VII Gi1GlI uIONCS OIL
hogs, so to rs at a sale, the mort
cages began to loosen. The average
man can't save a dollar; he doesn't
what to do with it, and before
ne can get the second one, the first
has disappeared. This, in a-neasure,
is the reason that the hen and the
pay no mortgages; their pro-
duct comes in smaller amounts and
goes, no n knows where, but the
hog is usually sold in a bunch and
money, anywhere from $500 to
SIS, 900, ome in it makes a hole in
mortgage. Take the hog from
the northwest and you take the
northwest. l am especially pleased
to stand before you, at this time,
when hogs have passed the $500
line. Surely, the farmer with his
drove of full blood or high grade
hogs is having all he deserves in the
way of prosperity. l congratulate
you on the fact that prices are so
r~emunerative and l congratulate you
On the bright prospect for the future.
Surely the prospect was never bright
er, if as bright as today. Men whom
are we'll informed tell us that the IS