Farm Bureau Work in New York State for 1914 2 119 



done in the State during the past year has not been economically sound 

 or demanded by the localities. In a few cases it has resulted in a setback 

 to the farm bureau movement rather than an ad\'antage. In three 

 counties, Oneida, Dutchess, and Niagara, however, cooperative organiza- 

 tions formed b\- the joint efforts of the farm bureau and the cooperative 

 bureau have been productive of good results. 



The central office has been instrumental in working out more satis- 

 factory relationships between the various departments of the College of 

 Agriculture and the farm bureau managers. In this it has had the active 

 support and assistance of the Department of Extension Teaching of the 

 College. Arrangements are now perfected whereby practically all ex- 

 tension work that is done in cotmties ha\'ing farm bureaus is done in 

 cooperation with or at least after consultation with the local bureau 

 managers. This is true of extension schools, local institutes, farm dem- 

 onstrations, and extcjnsion work with indi\d duals. These relationships 

 are now for the most part ver}' satisfactory-. Out of individual cases 

 has come an established policy on the part of the College with reference 

 to such work. 



The experiment stations, both at Cornell and at Geneva, have cooperated 

 with the farm bureaus by making analyses of materials and by furnishing 

 expert advice and information on technical matters, as well as by furnish- 

 ing quantities of their publications for distribution. 



Relationships ■^'ith commercial organizations are now ven,' satisfactory. 

 Railroad companies are generally contributing both cash and transpor- 

 tation to the bureau managers and showing a ver^^ commendable spirit 

 of cooperation in other waj'S. Their efforts are put on the proper basis 

 of stimulating transportation along their lines. In a nrmiber of instances 

 cooperation between the local bureaus and the agriculturists of the rail- 

 roads has resulted in cheaper freight rates and better shipping facilities, 

 which have promoted the interests of both. Corporations whose pros- 

 perity depends primarily on the quantity, the quality and the price of 

 farm products, have also contributed to the work in cash and in ser\'ices. 

 Those which have rendered the most assistance along this line are: 

 banks, lime and fertilizer companies, milli companies, and cement 

 manufacturers. 



City chambers of commerce have frequenth' taken the lead in organizing 

 bureaus, and the chambers have furnished offices, stenographic assistance, 

 and materials gratis. In a number of instances cash has also been con- 

 tributed. 



Investigation 



Very little work has been done in investigation. A good deal of mis- 

 cellaneous investigation of methods of work has been done, but this has 

 not been systematic, and hence is not of great value. It is hoped during 

 the coming year to make some organized effort in this direction so that we 

 may know as definitely as possible the best methods of organizing and 

 conducting the work. 



Respectfully submitted, 



]M. C. BURRITT, 



Director of Farm Bureaus. 



