8 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



done in close cooperation with the Departments of State and 

 Commerce. 



A survey of State marketing activities has been made and the 

 results published. Provision was made in the Appropriation Act for 

 the fiscal year 1917 for cooperation with the several States in the 

 employment of marketing agents. This provision should enable the 

 department to bring about a close coordination of the marketing 

 activities and policies of the various States with those of the depart- 

 ment. 



DEMONSTRATION MARKET NEWS SERVICE. 



The value to producers of fruits and vegetables of the experimental 

 market news service inaugurated in 1915 resulted in insistent demands 

 for the extension of the work. During the past year telegraphic 

 reports have been received from 33 important metropolitan markets 

 and from officials of all railroads serving producing territory. The 

 information thus secured has been furnished to growers, shippers, 

 and distributors through 35 temporary offices in producing territo- 

 ries and 11 permanent offices in large cities. Statements from growers 

 and shippers of tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, cantaloupes, water- 

 melons, onions, grapes, apples, and potatoes indicate that the actual 

 monetary saving due to a wider knowledge of market conditions 

 has exceeded the cost of the service many fold. 



The education of producers in the proper marketing of farm 

 products, the avoidance of unnecessary losses due to diversions in 

 transit, and the encouragement given to growers who desire to reach 

 new consuming centers are some of the benefits resulting from this 

 attempt to develop for the farmer a reliable business basis. 



THE COTTON FUTURES ACT. 



The work under the Cotton Futures Act, which was reenacted with 

 amendments at the last session of Congress, progressed satisfactorily. 

 In addition to the Official Cotton Standards of the United States, 

 which were promulgated on December 15, 1914, official cotton stand- 

 ards for tinges and stains were promulgated on January 28, 191G. 

 Reproductions of these standards were furnished the future ex- 

 changes and spot markets which have adopted the official standards 

 for white cotton. 



