Miscellaneous. 385 



MARKETING THE STRAWBERRY CROP. 



How to market our strawberry crops to obtain the best results is 

 one of the problems which confronts the Horticulturist of the southwest 

 at the present time. This same question has been presented to them at 

 the approach of previous seasons, and not only to them, but to the Agri- 

 culturists and Horticulturists throughout this country, of which these 

 two industries contributed their share towards putting it on its present 

 high plane. 



Various ways of marketing have been suggested and much has been 

 said against shipping on consignment to commission merchants. Associa- 

 tions have been organized at various shipping points, and we believe with 

 good results to shippers. We think that the organization of these associa- 

 tions is beneficial to all concerned, and we believe it is a step towards the 

 successful marketing of products, if properly conducted, but by the in- 

 dividual shippers themselves. 



Where there are a number of small growers at a shipping point and 

 all have a common market to which they ship, it pays them to organize 

 themselves into an association, through which business with railroads, 

 express companies and commission merchants may be transacted. It can 

 frequently obtain better shipping facilities and cheaper rates than a 

 single shipper could obtain. The interests of the growers at one ship- 

 ping point are identical. They are in competition with growers of other 

 sections of the country and they want to place their goods on the market 

 at the least possible expense. A representative of such an association 

 can often secure some concessions by an interview with proper officials 

 of transportation companies. A statement of the local situation in the 

 name of the association and a frank personal request on the part of the 

 representative, often secures to a body of shippers some advantages that 

 are worth much, and it next becomes the part of the shipper to perform 

 his duty. 



He must, during his spare time, study what is best for himself, and 

 especially, what is required in the markets of the country. He should 

 then acquaint himself with the most modern methods of caring for the 

 soil, and give the most diligent attention to his plants, trees, etc., or the 

 branch of Agriculture or Horticulture he may be engaged in. Following 

 this, he should study the best plan for picking his fruit, so that each 

 piece is fully grown and matured. A neat and attractive package counts 

 25 per cent, and with this inducement it seems that all shippers should 



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