Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-07-20
County Fairs Schools For Adj
vanced Breeders.

A well-conducted. State. county or dis
trict fair is strong factor in the formation
of agricultural ideas and rural community
upbuildine. In urging people to support
these fairs, s. 7. Simpson, of the Univer-
sity of Missouri College of Agriculture,
says:
mo rural community can hope to make
advancement or to remain progressive
without some means of bringing before its
people the products of that community.
Furthermore, no man can hope to continue
to make advancement in his chosen in
dustry unless he learns from other men
interested in the same field Of operation.
Farmers recognize now more than ever
before the importance of mingling with
their neighbors, exchanging ideas. making
criticisms and gathering new information.
Fairs afford untold opportunities for
those who will attend. There they meet as
exhibitors in competition and as specta-
tors. All learn to look at the fairs from
the educational viewpoint as well as from
the viewpoint Of entertainment or what
they win in money prizes as exhibitors.
True, the money offered Is great induce
ment in the way of defraying expenses,
but many exhibitors well might have as
much money in their pockets at the end
Of the week by leaving their exhibits at
home. On the other hand. those who ex-
hibit take home a new opinion of their
own products, and have had established in
their own minds revised standards which
will aid them in selecting and preparing
exhibits for the following year. In addi-
ton. every exhibitor. whether winner or
loser. takes home more or less advertising.
Advertising secured at fairs is considered
Of the best, as evidenced by the many ex-
hibitors and by the increased business
which has come to those who exhibit. No
breeder of pure-bred stock should neglect
a single opportunity to place 1t before the
public. The county fair is a good place
to begin.
THE livestock industry owes much to
the many fairs held throughout the coun-
try. Much improvement in breeds has
come as result Of these public exhibit
tons and ratings. Many have been en-
couraged in the production Of better stock
simply through the incentive gathered at
the livestock shows. No man who hopes
to continue as producer of high-class
livestock can afford to miss single oppor-
tunity to attend livestock shows. Unless
he attends such shows. he loses sight oS
the correct standards and gets behind the
times. The fair circuit is the school of the
constructive breeder. Few men have at
tanned success as breeders who have not
been close students Of show-ring standards
and awards. These men must necessarily
become fewer because of the rapid strides
In breeding and the increased competition.
HE who neglect to make use Of his
State. county or district fair not only
weakens his own position but neelects to
support a movement which is vital to the
State or community in which he lives. On
the other hand. the public should realize
that nothing can do more to encourage
better breeding. feeding and management
Of livestock than successful fair. The
fair is just what the people make it. By
their attendance and support 1t can be
made great factor in State and commu-
nifty betterment Without their support il
must tell to those few who do attend the
story of a nonprogressiye. inactive Com
mOnwealth."