Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1903 — CORN SCHOOL AND STOCKMtAN’S CONVENTION. [ARTICLE]

CORN SCHOOL AND STOCKMtAN’S CONVENTION.

WM, AUGSPURGER,

I attended the first Corn School of Indiana and Stockman’s Convention, Jan. 26 to 31, 1903. Over 100 farmers were present at the first session. The program of the week was opened with a lecture by Prot. Van Norman of Purdue, on “The Principles of Balanced Rations.” The corn school began its work by scoring samples of corn under the direction of H. G. McMahan, of Liberty, lnd., and continued throughout the week. Mr. McMahan was assisted by Prof. Wiancker of Purdue, and Mr. Shamel, who is one of the best expert judges of corn in the United States. Many of the improved varieties of corn grown in Indiana were used for illustrating the method of selecting se-d corn. In connection with the corn scorings, lectures were given on The History of Indian Corn, Selecting Seed Ears, Storing Corn, Distinguishing Characteristics of Varieties of Seed Corn, etc. livery leciure had a practical bearing upon this great American Cereal. In connection with the corn school, Prof. Skinner of Purdue, directed a practical class of judging live stock and pointed out the essentials in the beef animal in the more popular breeds. The afternoons were given to the study of the various breeds of cattle and hogs. On the 27th, in the evening, the Farm ers’Clubof the class 1902, which contains 115 boys, attended the school and gave a very interesting program upon the most leading topics of the farm arid work. And the 28:h, Prof. Munford of the! University of Ills., delivered one of the ! most popular lectures of the week on the cattle feeding problems. Prof. | Mumford is a recognized authority of national reputation. The interest was ! so great that nearly two hours were [ taken instead of the one alloted. The question of fodder shredding was ; generally discussed by the farmers. A j machine that will grind the fodder finer j was the opiu-on of the majority. Also a shocking machine was discussed but j only one farmer acknowledged it to work very satisfactory. The members of the Convention received a rare treat in a series of poultry talks bv Mr. T. E. Orr, of Beaver, Penn, fits talks were well received bv all j present and taught how to score .1 hen by the score card. A live interest wis taken" by all present and the I niver ' sits authorities gave ai a courteous treatment. A |.le.oaut banquet t was given Thursday night. A committee was app linte . to consider the movement oi S ib. Stations in each county, which will bring experiments nearer home. Also n re. ding circle organized. They have now an elegant new building, and students of the farm will be taken care of I came home much profited by school, my time and fare well paid for, and expeat to attend again next year which will be th% last week in Jan. 1904. Yours truly,

Rensselaer, lnd.