The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1917-08-25
FAIRS ARE BIG FACTORS
(Western Horseman)

Y WNoLS1II
In urging people to support fairs
Is. T. Simpson, of the University of
Missouri College of Agriculture, says:
"No rural community can hope to
make advancement or to remain pro-
gressive without some means of
bringing before it's people the pro-
ducts of that community. Further
more, 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, ex-
changing ideas, making criticisms
and gathering new information.
"Fairs afford untold opportunities
for those who will attend. There
they meet as exhibitors in competi-
ito nand as spectators. All learn to
look at the fairs from the educational
viewpoint as well as from the view
point of entertainment or what they
win in money prizes as exhibitors.
True, the money offered is a great in
ducement in the way of defraying ex-
penses, but many exhibitors might
we'll have as much money in their
pockets at the en- dof the week by
leaving their exhibits at home. On
the other hand, those who exhibit
take home a new opinion of their own
products, and have established in
their own minds revised standards
which will aid them in selecting and
preparing exhibits for the following
year. In addition every exhibitor,
whether a winner or loser, takes
home more or less advertising. Adj
vertising secured at fairs is consider
ed of the best as evidenced by the
many exhibitors and by the increased
business which has come to those who
exhibit. No breeder of purebfed
stock should neglect a single oppor-
tunity to place it before the public.
The county fair is a good place to be
gin.
''The livestock industry owes much
to the many fairs held throughout
the country. Much Improvement IN
breeds has come as a result of these
public exhibitions and ratings. Many
have been encouraged in the produc,
ton of better stock simply through
the incentive gathered at the livestock
shows. No man who hopes to con
tinue as a producer of high class live
stock can afford to miss a single op
portunity to attend livestock shows
Unless he attends such shows he lose'
sight of the correct standard and get
behind the times. The fair circuit /
the school of the constructive breeder
Few men have attained success a
breeders who have not been clos
students of show ring standards an
awards. These men must necessarll,
become fewer because of the rapl
strides in breeding and the increase
competition.
"He who neglects TO make use
his state, county or district fair no
only weakens his own position bu
/ neglects to support movement whlc
: is vital to the state or community !
; which he lives On the other hand
: the public should realize that nothln
: can do more to encourage bette
{ breeding, feeding and managemer
I Fof livestock than successful fan
: The fair is just what the people max
! it. By their attendance and supper
t it can be made great factor IN stat
D and community betterment. Withor
: their support it must tell to those fe
who do attend the story of nor
progressive, inactive commonwealth