EASTERN NEBRASKA FRUIT GROWERS :.'S1 



the best markets of the country, and for which a premium would be 

 paid, the more up-to-date growers got together and organized the Eastern 

 Nebraska Fruit Growers' Association. 



The purpose of this organization was to provide ways and means 

 for the cooperation of fruit growers to increase the quantity and quality 

 of fruit products; to engage in and assist in cultivating, pruning, and 

 spraying orchards, fruits, and berry plants; to assist in securing just 

 rates in transportation; to deal in and handle supplies for packing and 

 marketing fruit; to assist its members in securing the best prices on 

 spraying material and other supplies; and to standardize the pack of 

 this territory. 



The Association was incorporated the first of September, 1913, and 

 for each membership a share of stock was issued. The capital stock of 

 the association is $30,000 divided into 1,000 shares. 



The organization was perfected in time to handle the apple crop 

 for its members. It is expected to take care of all small fruits here- 

 after. One of the first requirements for the member in the association 

 is up-to-date orchard and field management. Only growers who spray 

 their trees are eligible. 



The following grading and packing rules for apples were adopted 

 by the Association, and all fruit grown by the members of the Association 

 was packed accordingly under the supervision of the General Manager. 

 The head packer or inspector in each orchard was given a number, and 

 each package of fruit packed under his supervision bore this number, 

 making him responsible for the pack. 



GRADING AND PACKING RULES. 



Quality of Product: The loess soil of this section is peculiarly 

 adapted to the apple. The flavor and keeping quality of apples grown 



on this soil are conceded by all authorities to be unexcelled, while the 

 abundant sunshine gives it a most attractive appearance. As far back 

 as 1876, at the Centennial Exposition, apples from this section won the 

 Gold Medal on quality, and this high standing is still retained. 



Uniform Methods: Standardization of methods, so essential to the 

 buying trade, will be practiced to the fullest extent. All fruit will be 

 packed under grades and rules established- by the association and must 

 be passed upon by association inspectors, before the brand is placed on 

 the package which guarantees the pack. This Avill result in a uniform 

 high class product to be sought after by both the buying trade and 

 the consumer. 



Care of Orchards: One of the first requirements for membership 

 in the association is up-to-date orchard management. Only growers who 

 spray thoroughly are eligible. The membership is composed of the 

 very best growers, who practice thorough spraying, pruning, cultivation, 

 and other features of good orchard care. 



Varieties: The varieties produced are practically all high class 

 standard sorts. Jonathan and Grimes, standards for quality, are at home 

 in this section and reach the highest state of perfection. Eastern Ne- 



