Dewitt Observer in Dewitt, Iowa

Clinton County Iowa Farms and Livestock Through 1960s

Clinton County’s agricultural history shows corn dominance rising from 68 000 acres in earlier decades to 122 000 by 1905 and 153 113 acres in 1962 with high average yields. Wheat declined from 68 000 acres to about 1 500, while corn and oats persisted alongside pastures hay and soybeans. The county hosted 2 355 farms in 1959 averaging 179 acres each with two thirds of gross income above 210 000 and livestock activity centered on cattle feeding and dairy. Beefs, dairy, and poultry were prominent, with 261 000 chickens and egg production near 783 000 dozen. Henry Harmison and Winston Wes sell introduced large carload-style cattle exhibition at the International in 1923, marking Clinton County’s strong livestock tradition.