14 P.D. 123. 



go out of business altogether. Not many have given up poultry work during the 

 past year, but those who have, did so because of a poorly organized project rather 

 than because of the increase in feed prices. They attempted too much on limited 

 capital, limited area of land or limited knowledge and experience. The tendency 

 from now on will be for the poultry industry to gradually get into the hands of 

 those who are permanently engaged in the business and there will be fewer 

 adventurers of the old-time character. 



Our poultrymen, especially in the western part of the state, have experienced 

 some competition with Pacific coast eggs, but conditions have not been serious. 

 We are beginning to see that in order to keep our present premium trade we 

 must breed and work for superior quality; that is, our poultrymen should en- 

 deavor to make the average quality of eggs and poultry equal to the hest of 

 those that are shipped in. 



During the past year there has been an improvement in economic production, 

 more efficient methods in controlling infectious diseases, and in breeding for 

 increased fecundity. These three, together with the production of products of 

 superior quality already mentioned, form the four cornerstones of our poultry 

 industry. 



The progress along the line of disease control is most encouraging. The Massa- 

 chusetts Association of Certified Poultry Breeders has been formed and is now 

 functioning. This organization aims to protect its members against unscrupulous 

 competitors with inferior stock and to distribute throughout the state disease- 

 free, high-producing stock. Every effort possible should be made to foster this 

 organization. 



The duck industry is in about the same position as a year ago. It is in the 

 hands of strong and efficient men and i^resent production practically takes care 

 of the demand. 



The condition of the Massachusetts turkey industry indicates a vast improve- 

 ment. Data from the United States Census of 1910 give 2,645 turkeys in Massa- 

 chusetts, while in 1920 there were 4,808 turkeys reported. This is an increase of 

 81 per cent. General observations indicate that the increased turkey production 

 has been greater since 1920 than during the ten year period mentioned. The in- 

 creased production is due almost wholly to improved methods in controlling 

 blackhead. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION. 



The Division of Information collects and compiles agricultural information 

 and statistics; prepares, edits and distributes the publications of the Depart- 

 ment; has charge of the Department library; furnishes publicity material to the 

 press; answers inquiries on agricultural matters; acts as an advertising and sale 

 agency of f anus ; maintains an emiiloyment bureau of farm labor ; cooperates 

 in an advisory capacity with the State departments having charge of institutions 

 which maintain farms; and maintains close relations with State organizations 

 that have to do with agricultural education and with the departments of the Com- 

 monwealth which have agricultural activities. 



Agricultural Statistics. 



The collection of agricultural statistics has been chiefly concerning crop pro- 

 duction and live stock in cooperation with the New England Reporting Service 

 of the United States Department of Agriculture and with the Division of Dairy- 

 ing and Animal Husbandry of this Department. The crop and animal statistics 

 for Massachusetts for 1923 were published jointly with the other New England 

 States in a publication issued from the office of the New England Crop Re- 

 porting Service. Some other statistics have been gathered but their publication 

 has not been authorized. 



