448 ANNUAL EEPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGKICULTUEE. 



gathering information concerning marketing and distribution. This 

 information will show the relation between profits and services 

 rendered and will also form a basis for constructive suggestions con- 

 cerning the handling of these products. 



These investigations are under the direction of Mr. C. S. Cole. 



COOPERATION WITH STATES IN MARKETING WORK. 



Cooperation with States in marketing w^ork was authorized and 

 provided for by an item in the agricultural appropriation act on 

 the 11th of August, 1916. Mr. J. C. Skinner is acting in charge of 

 the work. During this first jear it has been necessary, first, to secure 

 the proper contact in the several States; second, to make the selec- 

 tion of representatives to undertake the work; and third, to enter 

 into cooperative agreements outlining in detail the work to be under- 

 taken. Therefore the work performed in cooperation with the sev- 

 eral States began at difi'erent dates, ranging from August 11, 1916, 

 to May 4, 1917. 



In some States the cooperation is conducted in connection with 

 State market bureaus, in others with the extension divisions of the 

 agricultural colleges or with the commissioners of agriculture or 

 other State agencies. The purpose of the cooperation with States 

 in marketing work is to assist the States in acquiring and diffusing 

 useful information regarding the marketing of farm products. 

 Nineteen States have been thus assisted. 



The plan has been to have the field agents in marketing in the 

 several States give the major portion of their time to specific prob- 

 lems, in order that they might be able to render concrete assistance. 

 'Jlierefore, it has been necessary for each man to devote considerable 

 time to observing the marketing problems of the State and to learn- 

 ing the local conditions relating to the work. 'In some States the 

 Avork has not had time to develop beyond this primary stage. In 

 others investigations have been started, and in still others investiga- 

 tions have been completed and results made available to the people of 

 the State. AVhile, as a whole, the work is in an elementary state, 

 enough has been accomplished to indicate its value to the people 

 and to show that concrete results may be expected as the work is 

 developed. During the year the following specific help has been 

 rendered : 



Arizona. — A complete survey of Maricopa County is being made 

 in order to assist producers in the proper marketing of the county's 

 products. 



Arkansas. — In connection with the States Relations Service assist- 

 ance has been rendered in the marketing of early Irish potatoes, 

 wheat, and radishes. Seventeen ice plants have been instructed in 

 regard to the proper methods of curing hogs. A book of instructions 

 has been issued and distributed to the cold-storage plants in the 

 State. 



Colorado. — Investigations in regard to the marketing of poultry 

 products, dairy products, honey, and beans are near completion, and 

 assistance has been rendered during the course of the investigations. 



Georgia. — Investigations in the marketing of sweet potatoes have 

 been conducted, and assistance rendered to the growers in regard to 

 the grading and storage of their products. 



