126 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



in a definite and concrete way in putting their farms on a business basis. 

 In other words, the object of tliese visits was to help the farmers organize 

 their farms. Soil treatment was suggested, a definite rotation of crops 

 was outlined and complete details for the handling of all crops were 

 mapped out, and the suggestions made were sent to the farmer in type- 

 written form. 



It can be seen from this that the work had a decidedly practical 

 value. It resulted in a direct financial benefit to the farmer as well as 

 assisting him in building up the fertility of liis soil. It is little wonder, 

 therefore, that it has grown to such proportions. 



At the beginning of this year, 1911, it was found necessary to 

 charge a membership fee to the Association, and $1.00 assessment was 

 levied. Today over 150 members have paid up their fees for 1911, and 

 others are joining every day. 



RELATION OF THE ASSOCIATION TO THE FARM MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT. 



An everyday question that arises at this time is the relation between 

 the Farm Management Department and the Association; it is simply 

 this : They who are employed by the Government and by the State to 

 carry on Farm Management work in Missouri are desirous of knowing 

 those who are directly interested in the work. They have every desire 

 to get in touch with men who want definite help in carrying on the work 

 of their farms. In order to find these farmers, it was deemed desirable 

 to form this Association, to be composed of those who really cared for 

 help from the Department. So it came about that the Missouri Farm 

 Management Association was formed, and in this way it can l)e deter- 

 mined who the farmers are who are really in sympathy wdth our under- 

 taking. It gives a definite concrete body of up-to-date farmers with 

 which to carry on the work. By working with members of this Associa- 

 tion, it is not necessary to spend any time with men who are just partial- 

 ly interested in what is being done. When a man pays a dollar to be- 

 come a member, and signs a statement to the effect that he is desirous of 

 obtaining a definite plan for carrying on his work, it is reasonably cer- 

 tain that he is the right kind. In short, the Association was formed for 

 the purpose of combining and organizing those farmers in iMissouri 

 who want help in farm management problems. This organization will 

 ultimately carry on a great deal of co-operative work in the buying and 

 selling of seeds, pure bred live stock, and supplies for the farmer. As 

 soon as the organization becomes strong enougli, and its members have 

 the products for sale, there is no reason why there cannot be a system of 

 buying, selling and exchanging among the members that will l)e one of 



