RELATION TO COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES 101 



to be organized, in exactly the same way as the establish- 

 ment of a lime or an alfalfa demonstration is regarded and 

 to render the same kind of assistance. It is sound public 

 policy for the county agent to make a statement of the 

 facts and conditions surrounding the problem and the 

 possible results to be obtained by the action, and to give 

 advice in establishing the demonstration. He does not and 

 should not assume any executive functions or responsibili- 

 ties in connection with the enterprise. 



WHAT COUNTY AGENTS DO 



Since there is much misunderstanding as to the appli- 

 cation of this policy and as to what county agents really 

 do in relation to the needs and activities of farmers for 

 cooperative buying and selling, it is desirable to state these 

 quite definitely. 



It is the aim of county agents to assemble and to present 

 to farmers through publications, lectures, demonstrations, 

 conferences and discussions the facts bearing on results of 

 cooperative organizations in given localities and under 

 given conditions. If organization is then determined upon 

 by the farmers concerned, it is the further duty of the 

 county agent to give all information at his command as 

 to the best ways and means by which cooperative organi- 

 zations may be effected and utilized. Both county agents 

 and farm bureaus are advocates of the principle of co- 

 operative action. They assist cooperative groups by fur- 

 nishing (1) the facts as to the need for the objects pro- 

 posed, (2) the probable best means for meeting the needs, 

 and (3) advice as to the best ways to put the plans into 

 practical application. This aid of course should be given 

 only when farmers want and ask for such assistance. 



