Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-09-04
State Fair.

Friends of the Farm Bureau will be
pleased to learn that the state fail
was up to it's usual standard as to
educational value. While the number
of livestock entries were not as mum.
erous as last year the quality was
superior in many ways. Especially
were the classes of Shorthorn and
Hereford cattle, while there was also
a good showing Of Angus. The dairy
breeds were not as we'll represented as
usual However, what was lacking in
the cattle division was made up in the
hog department. which made very
excellent showing this year and from
the exhibits and the way the sales
were being made visitors at the fair
were glad to pay good prices.
It was not uncommon to see year
ling hogs that weighed seven to eight
hundred pounds, especially in the big
type Poland China or Duroc Jersey.
In fact, the county agent could see
very little difference in regard to the
standard Of the breeds because out
standing individuals were shown in
each.
In the horse classes Mr., Singmaster
with his PercherOns and Mr.. Lefebure
with his Belgians were, of course, the
main attractions. There was also a
good display of mules. ,
Next to the display Of livestock was
: probably the machinery exhibit. While
this was not as large as the year
previous the tractor show was up to
its usual standard There were vari-
GUS labor-saving devices brought to
ones attention From machines that
would shock small grain to silage ma
chimes that cut the silage in the field
The Moline Pillow company presented
their Moline tractor with various types
of machines in their combination sets
which included large mower with
ten-foot sickle, double disc harrow,
a large drill and both corn and small
grain binders. All these machines
could be operated with a tractor by
one man. Various ensilage machines
were in evidence and It was hoped
that more man-saving machinery
could be shown than was evident.
The shortage Of farm labor is going
to call for more farm machinery, If
we wish to maintain production. How
ever machines should be constructed
along simple lines for one man to
operate. Any machine with these re-
quisites, together with efficiency, will
be, of material help to us.
The agricultural products shown in
the agricultural hall attracted many
visitors The apple display was large
and made a very strong showing. The
value of spraying was especially
brought to ones attention, together
with matter of careful packing to in
sure keeping and also to attract buy
ers.
The small grain and corn exhibits
were not as large as might have been
expected but many farmers were busy
threshing during this particular time
and could not get their exhibits ready.
However, some Of the county booths
for individual farm exhibits deserved
COuolStCldulS ~ cl,o loi thCil 4uulity'
The government had fine exhibit,
and few from the navy were worth
seeing. These exhibits included army
equipment Exhibitors were there
who explained grades of small grains
and corn which are now in force at
our terminal grain elevators. These
grades furnished the basis upon which
all grains are purchased and when
thoroughly understood would give one
an idea of just where their grain
would be placed on the market.
While the county agent only met a
few of the Delaware county people at
the fair for the few days he was there,
he has learned since that many men
had taken time to visit this great in
stitution of learning and, In fact, any
good fair if properly conducted, is one
of the greatest sources Of information
that we have along the agricultural
line for the development and progress
of our agricultural work 1t is hoped
that by next year some Of the farmers
of Delaware county will be able to
take some exhibits to the state fair
Geo. Banta of Milo towns hip attend