Advice books, almanacs, and periodicals of the 1800s encouraged farmers to improve farming techniques and try new methods. Many farmers did not readily adopt these new ideas. Agricultural reformers in this period enjoyed far greater success in creating a vehicle to bring farmers together and highlight innovative and high-performing agricultural practices: the regional fair. Fair organizers rewarded farmers who produced top-of-the-line livestock and crops with prizes and publicity. Mack, raised and owned by a Western Massachusetts farmer, was a particularly impressive example of an ox renowned for his stature. He traveled to numerous fairs where his owner hung up this banner and audiences willingly parted with ten cents to view this enormous animal.