P.D. 123 , 13 



"During the spring and summer months we assisted in the pooling of 

 22,800 lbs. of wool, 15,600 lbs. of which were made into all virgin wool 

 blankets. There seems to be an increasing demand for these blankets, 

 as orders have been received this year from 13 different States. The 

 farmer received a net return of 61 cts. when he retailed his own blankets 

 and 51 cts. when he sold the same at wholesale under this pooling arrange- 

 ment, as compared with 32 to 38 cts., which were the prices offered during 

 the summer months. 



"I have been called upon to assist in the purchase of 360 sheep during 

 the year, and many times have been asked for advice on the care and 

 management of the flocks by both the beginners and the older breeders. 

 I have addressed 15 meetings on the care and management of the flock, 

 wool and lambs and have looked over several tracts of land at the request 

 of owners to determine their fitness for sheep raising. There seems to 

 be a keener interest in the sheep business throughout the State." 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF MARKETS 



Plans and Procedure 



The aim of the Division of Markets is to encourage the marketing of 

 farm products in an efficient and orderly manner. As our marketing 

 system becomes more and more complicated, it is impossible for the great 

 majority of the producers to come in direct contact with the consumers. 

 It is to the interest of both producers and consumers that food products 

 are produced, graded, packed and sold in a way which will assure the 

 market of farm products of the type and grade demanded at the time 

 they are wanted. 



The Division of Markets is in constant touch with farmers and dealers 

 and is able to give reliable and accurate information concerning market 

 conditions. It can also make suggestions for the improvement of mar- 

 keting methods. Since its organization in 1920 this Division has, under 

 the able leadership of Mr. W. A. Munson, gained the confidence of the 

 producers and the wholesalers of the state. The market reports of the 

 Division have a reputation for being reliable. Suggestions for improv- 

 ing marketing methods have been carefully considered. The enforce- 

 ment of grading regulations has given the trade increased confidence in 

 Massachusetts farm products. 



The market reports are sent out in three ways: by mail, newspaper 

 and radio. Anyone in the state who is interested in current market con- 

 ditions and prices can get up-to-date information from trained market 

 reporters. The result is that farmers are able to ship to market at the 

 most favorable time, and consumers are able to adjust their buying to 

 the best advantage. Accurate market reports have been instrumental 

 in lessening the suspicion formerly associated with the commission busi- 

 ness. Farmers now are in close touch with market prices. 



Massachusetts farmers are producing for one of the best markets in 

 the world. The market wants food of high quality and is willing to pay 

 to get the best. Boston receives hundreds of carloads of fresh fruit 

 and vegetables from the South and West. Much of the shipped-in prod-- 

 ucts comes in during the winter and early spring months before local 

 farm products are on the market. The figures for recent years, how- 

 ever, show that the competition from outside producing regions has 

 been growing more important during the local producing season. This 

 is due largely to the fact that other producing regions have developed 

 certain varieties adapted to market demand, and have graded and packed 

 them in such a way that the market prefers them to the local product. 

 In order to successfully meet this growing competition it will be neces- 

 sary to establish grades and standai'ds for locally grown farm products 

 and to identify these products in such a way that the dealers and con- 



