26 



figures, the advance in the spring and summer sesasons has ranged from 

 one to three cents, and in the fall and winter months from three to as 

 high as twelve cents. This premium which the " marked " eggs from 

 these organizations have been bringing on the near city markets is 

 directly due to an improvement in quality. However, the quality even 

 yet is by no means perfect. A great deal more remains to be done than 

 that which is already accomplished. But the fact remains that some 

 improvement has been made, and because of that improvement, the eggs 

 have commanded a higher price. 



Though this increased price is largely responsible for the rapid 

 growth which the movement has made, it must be kept in mind that this 

 is not by any means the only benefit to be derived from a Co-operative 

 Marketing Association. In the writer's estimation, it is the least im- 

 portant. The chief virtue of such an organization is the effect which it 

 has upon the farmer's attitude toward his poultry, and the handling and 

 marketing of eggs. By reason of the better prices and general satisfac- 

 tion which this system gives, farmers are particularly desirous of remain- 

 ing with the organization after once having joined. In order to retain 

 his membership the farmer must carefully follow the rules and regula- 

 tions as outlined in the Constitution and By-laws. In order to do this, 

 he seeks advice and instruction from the management of the organization. 

 In this way the old-time indifferent farmer is changed into a keenly in- 

 terested one. He becomes remarkably receptive and even looks to the 

 management to guide him in the detailed management of this part of his 

 business. This offers a wonderful opportunity for doing most effective 

 educational work. 



The following is a suggested Constitution and By-Laws for a Co- 

 operative Marketing Association. 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 

 Constitution. 



1. The Co-operative Poultry and Egg Marketing Association has 



for its object the increasing of the profits to poultry raisers by Co-operation. 



2. The Association seeks to reach its object: 



(a) By marketing eggs and poultry of only the best quality. 



(b) By selling eggs and poultry delivered to its members at the highest 

 possible price. 



(c) By buying for its members grit, feed, shell, and such other supplies 

 as are needed in the production of poultry. 



(d) By buying such pure bred stock and eggs as may be needed in im- 

 proving and supplementing the stock already kept by the members. 



(e) By the dissemination of poultry know^ledge. 



3. The annual meeting of the Association shall be held during the first two 

 weeks in January of each year. 



4. Notice of the annual meeting shall be given each member by the Secre- 

 tary not more than one week previous to the date of this meeting. 



