56 Bulletin 85 — Miscellaneous 



lion the refrigerator cars were iced well in advance of loading and the 

 thoroughly chilled lettuce was shipped at once. The results of this 

 careful attention were accurately reflected in the returns which the 

 growers in this district secured in competition with lettuce growers in 

 other districts. 



Up to and including April 17, 1917. 61 carloads had been shipped 

 to eastern markets and 3,233 crates equivalent to about 8 carloads had 

 been sold locally in Arizona and New Mexico. The first 61 cars were 

 distributed to Kansas City, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New 

 York, Chicago and Denver, more than one-half of this number going 

 to Kansas City, Chicago and Pittsburgh. From April 17 to the close 

 of the season about 39 additional cars were shipped, in addition to 

 moderate express shipments to the mining towns of Arizona. Market- 

 ing conditions during the early part of the season were very favorable 

 and because of their excellent pack and grade the growers secured 

 some attractive returns. The first 21 cars which rolled to market re- 

 turned to the growers a total of $14,732.99, or an average f. o. b. return 

 per crate of $1.57. Returns for the next 40 cars were not so high, 

 ranging around $1.00 per crate, but still netting a fair margin of 

 profit. Near the close of the season, however, there was a decided 

 slump in market prices, caused by heavy offerings from other sections. 

 The unexpected drop in market prices found the association with more 

 than 20 cars in transit and some unfortunate losses were sustained, 

 Vv'hich partially offset the large profits made earlier in the season. 



In addition to offering a sales service the association furnished to 

 growers during the season more than $8,000 worth of supplies. These 

 supplies were secured in large lots and re-sold to growers at prices be- 

 low those which they would have had to pay on independent purchases. 

 Considering the volume of their business and the speculative nature 

 of their product, it is doubtful whether it will be possible for the lettuce 

 growers greatly to improve their system of marketing. It is impossible 

 to remove entirely the hazards connected with the marketing of a 

 perishable crop like lettuce. On the whole, however, these growers 

 have worked out for themselves an excellent and efficient system of 

 marketing when it is considered that their output is limited and their 

 association a small one. The success of this association has been an 

 encouragement to those who believe that co-operative effort will solve 

 the marketing problems of the Salt River Valley. 



Miscellaneous About 56 cars of watermelons were shipped in 

 19 1 6 and 78 cars in 191 7. This crop is produced in the vicinity of 



