482 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



total income received by the state from this source, during last year, 

 probably amounts to about $52,000,000.00. The average farm price for 

 eggs during this period was forty-three cents, which means that 121,000,- 

 000 dozen of eggs were marketed. This does not take into account, of 

 course, the large number consumed on the farms of the state. 



The following tabulations showing the contrast between present egg 

 prices and those of a few years ago, will be of interest. 



AVERAGE PRICE PAID TO IOWA FARMERS FOR EGGS ON THE 

 FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH OF THE YEARS SHOWN. 



Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 



The world wide increase in the price of eggs is not alone responsible 

 for the high market value of eggs today. Quality plays the important part 

 as Iowa eggs net an unusually high price on every market in the country. 

 This proves conclusively that from the standpoint of the producer as well 

 as the consumer, it is well worth while to rigidly enforce existing laws. 



There is only one method for distinguishing good eggs from bad ones, 

 or which can be used for the purpose of grading, and that method is cand- 

 ling. Of the numerous devices sold for this purpose, the single hole candle 

 operated in a darkened room has proven the most satisfactory. Devices 

 designed for handling more than one egg at a time permit mistakes and 

 carelessness to creep in and as far as this department is concerned, theii 

 use is not advised. 



Since the question is often asked, "Who must be licensed," the regula- 

 tion pertaining to this subject is herewith reprinted: 



"WHO MUST BE LICENSED?" 



The law requires the following classes of dealers to take out egg deal- 

 ers' licenses: 



1. All merchants, hucksters and others buying eggs from producers un- 

 less such producers are also licensed egg dealers. 



2. All dealers, regardless of the nature of their business, who sell eggs 

 in quantities in excess of one case at a time. 



The following are not required to take out a license. 



1, Merchants who buy all their eggs from licensed dealers and who do 

 not sell in lots greater than one case. 



2. Farmers and other producers of eggs who do not sell or trade in 

 eggs other than those produced by them or their tenants. 



