As news spread about the farmers' testing hardships, those in counties yet to test grew worried. Additionally, Norman Baker, a Muscatine radio host, spread false information about the tests. He claimed tuberculosis testing decreased milk production, caused cows to abort, and even caused the disease itself. This prompted growing unease and anger among farmers regarding the testing mandate.
Farmers Organize
Misinformation Spreads
(The Gazette-Republican, April 14, 1931, Grant Munger Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa)
(Des Moines Register, April 4, 1931, Grant Munger Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa)
"Baker has been propagandizing on this thing for a year or more and he has got a small section of Iowa aroused through misrepresentation. His campaign of misinformation is the only thing which could have led the people there to have such a misconception of our work."
-Dr. A. E. Wright, Head of Tuberculosis Eradication Divison of the Iowa Agriculture Department (The Gazette-Republican, c. 1931, Grant Munger Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa)
In response, Jake Lenker and his rural Cedar County neighbors organized the Farmers Protective Association, which brought unity among farmers. The group spoke out publicly against testing as an infringement upon their right to make autonomous business decisions. Due to the group's intimidating presence, state veterinarians delayed Cedar County testing, hoping the resistance would diminish.
(The Des Moines Register, April 12, 1931, p. 68)
(Burlington Hawk-Eye Gazette, April 18, 1931, p. 4)
(The Gazette-Republican, April 16, 1931, Grant Munger Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa)