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<br />4-0 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Purebred sheep raising was also popular, although <br />finding enough range created some problems. Hay being <br />cheap, fattening sheep in feedlots gradually became more <br />popular. This eventually led the way to cattle feeding <br />(30:53-58). <br />Early settlers found many wild fruits and this <br />encouraged residents to try fruit growing. Sour cherries <br />became the most important fruit although many other types <br />were grown. <br />In 1879, the first county fair was held to celebrate <br />the rapid agricultural development. Fairs were continued <br />yearly until 1926. The 1909 fair held a Lamb Day at <br />which time approximately 9,000 people were served free <br />barbecued lamb on Oak Street (30:145-146). <br />In 1888, the Agricultural College helped introduce <br />the sugar beet. The opening of the Great Western <br />sugar factory on Vine Drive in 1903 made this a very <br />valuable crop. <br />Today, the principal agricultural industries are <br />farming, livestock feeding and dairying. The three major <br />crops are corn, sugar beets, and alfalfa. However, many <br />other crops grow well and are profitable. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Public Works <br />The citizens of Fort Collins rely upon the PoudreBiver <br />for many things but water may be the most important. The <br />first water works plant was built in 1883 on Overland <br />Trail just south of Laporte. The water was carried from <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br />