506 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



AVERAGE PRICE PAID TO IOWA FARMERS FOR EGGS ON THJi] 

 FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH OF THE YEARS SHOWN 



If the above table included prices for a few years previous to 1910 

 it would show that it has not been very long since the farmer received 

 but eight to ten cents a dozen for this important staple. While this is 

 all past history, these facts are interesting in that they throw light upon 

 some of the reasons for the present high prices of other food commodities. 



Iowa has also a reputation for the quality of eggs produced, but there 

 Is still room for considerable improvement in our methods of handling. 

 In commenting on these subjects, a well known Chicago buyer says, "I 

 consider the eggs produced in Iowa where the principle feed of hens is 

 corn, are better when originally produced than any eggs in this country, 

 for in those sections where the hens are fed largely on wheat, barley 

 and oats, or the Southern cotton seed meal, the eggs do not have the 

 body and flavor that the eggs from Iowa have, for the reason given. 

 The thing that has always been lacking has been the way eggs have 

 been handled before leaving the state. This law of yours will certainly 

 stimulate better handling by the farmer dealers, and more prompt 

 shipment. 



"The next great question in my mind in connection with the egg in- 

 dustry in your state is that there should be a greater production from the 

 number of hens you have. This is a matter, however, that cannot be 

 handled by legislation, but it is one of education. Most of yout 

 farmers never realize the possibilities of egg production, and usually 

 when it is shown them they exclaim in the language of a noted caitoonist, 

 'I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT.' " 



Both the Food Law and the E'gg Law make it a misdemeanor to sell 

 eggs which are decomposed. The logical assumption is, therefore, that 

 all eggs offered for sale either to egg buyers, to storage houses, or to the 

 consumer are free from eggs which are decomposed. To one acquainted 

 with the detail of egg grades and the demands of buyers of eggs for 

 storage, it would seem that under the Iowa laws buying case count 

 might be considered a good business method. There are, however, many 

 classes of eggs, which while they cannot be considered decomposed within 

 the meaning of the law, are not salable except at a reduced price. Among 

 these classes are "hatch spots," "stale eggs," "weak eggs," eggs with 

 movable air cell, etc., and the "dirties," "under-sized eggs," "double 

 yolks," etc., which likewise command a lower market value. These eggs 

 must be candled out by buyers who ship to the markets consuming the 

 bulk of Iowa eggs. Such buyers must also recandle, grade and repack 



