472 ANNUAL BEPORTS OF DEPAHTMENT Of AGRICULTURE. 



A study was made of the quality and condition of the Australian 

 wheat now being imported into the United States, an investigator 

 having gone to Australia to study the methods of handling, storing, 

 and marketing employed in that country. The milling and baking 

 qualities of Australian wheat also were made the subject of investi- 

 gation. 



Data have been collected showing the total grain storage, milling, 

 and drying capacity of the United States. 



RURAL COOPERATION. 



This work is divided into two projects, both of which are under the 

 supervision of Mr. C. W. Thompson. 



RURAL CREDITS, INSURANCE, AND COMMUNICATION. 



Study has been made of the operation of credit unions among 

 farmers, the facilities for financing the live-stock business, the Tor- 

 rens system of land-title registration, and the credit needs of farmers 

 in the drought-stricken areas west of the Mississippi River. A state- 

 ment regarding the matter last named was published in the Federal 

 Reserve Bulletin of December 31, 1917. Forms of credit statements 

 were prepared for use by bankers in connection witH short-time farm 

 loans, and a special memorandum on the subject of farmers' credit 

 statements, prepared by this bureau, has been brought to the atten- 

 tion of the Federal reserve banks by the Federal Reserve Board. 

 The department has cooperated with the Federal Farm Loan Board 

 in disseminating information regarding loan accommodations through 

 Federal land banks. A comprehensive investigation regarding cur- 

 rent interest rates paid on long and short time farm loans in the 

 United States has been started. 



A publication has been issued containing a suggested law providing 

 for the operation of credit associations and credit unions. 



Field studies of various types of farmers' mutual insurance com- 

 panies have been continued. A digest has been made of the State 

 laws relating to such companies, and a model State law regulating 

 the operation of such organizations has been prepared in tentative 

 form. A system of accounts for farmers' mutal fire insurance com- 

 panies has been prepared. 



Studies of local telephone companies and systems have been made 

 in 20 States. 



RURAL SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. 



Studies have been made of farmers' associations formed for social 

 and educational improvement, and an investigation is under way 

 regardmg the conduct of extension and demonstration work through 

 such organizations. Information has been obtained concernmg the 

 financing, maintenance, and management of 110 community build- 

 ings. A list of more than 300 commimity buildings has been secured, 

 and a questionnaire is being sent to all of these in order to obtain 

 uniform detailed information on important points. A list of the 

 State, county, and community fairs held in the United States has 

 been completed, and study of women's rural organizations has been 

 continued. 



