P.D. 123 17 



Massachusetts Farm Census. The 1925 Census figures have been tab- 

 ulated by towns, and charts have been prepared to show the location and 

 amount of the various agricultural industries in Massachusetts. 



Bulletin on Asparagus Marketing Facts. Just before the opening of 

 the asparagus season a 50-page mimeographed bulletin entitled "Aspara- 

 gus Marketing Facts for Massachusetts Growers" was issued. 



The object of this bulletin was to present certain basic facts in con- 

 nection with the asparagus industry, in order that growers and dealers 

 might be better able to interpret crop and market reports. 



This bulletin discussed production trends in Massachusetts and in the 

 other states which ship to the Boston market; marketing practices on 

 the Boston market; characteristics of Boston market demand and other 

 relative facts. Much of the statistical material was supplemented by a 

 graphic presentation in chart form. 



Co-operative Relations 



There are in Massachusetts, as in most states, many agencies interested 

 more or less in the marketing of farm products. This division has been 

 able to co-operate with many such agencies in carrying out marketing 

 projects. It would be impossible in this report to list all the agencies, 

 such as small farmers' associations, which have been in contact with this 

 Division during the year. 



New Englayid Council. The New England Council, through its agri- 

 cultural committee, has been interested in promoting grades and stand- 

 ards for farm products. This committee has co-operated with the Massa- 

 chusetts Department of Agriculture in calling meetings to discuss the 

 situation. The final meeting, held in Boston, was attended by farmers 

 and farm leaders from all parts of New England. An opportunity was 

 given for the different commodity groups to discuss their problems. 

 The meeting resulted in the adoption of a grading program to be carried 

 out by the New England states. The first step will be to get authority 

 for the Commissioners of Agriculture in the six New England states to 

 establish voluntary grades for farm products. It will then be possible 

 for commodity interests in the six states to get together and decide on 

 uniform rules and regulations for the grading of farm products. 



National Apple Week. The Division of Markets co-operated with the 

 Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in the promotion of Apple Week 

 from November 1 to November 6, 1926. The attempt was made to stim- 

 ulate the demand for apples by radio talks and newspaper articles. The 

 superior quality and grade of the New England apples was especially 

 stressed. Window displays were put on in many cities and the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture awarded ribbons for the best displays. Silver cups 

 were presented to the cities or towns which put on the best program for 

 advertising apples. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture. Through the co-operation of the 

 U. S. Department of Agriculture, the Massachusetts Division of Markets 

 is supplied with current statistics covering prices in central markets, 

 crop acreages, and yields, carlot unloads and receipts, amount in storage, 

 etc. These reports enable the Division to keep in constant touch with 

 supplies-, prices, and market outlooks all over the country, and gives an 

 oportunity to give the readers of our market reports prompt and reliable 

 news of market conditions outside Massachusetts. 



The U. S. Bureau of Agricultural Economics is in close touch with 

 marketing work in all parts of the country. Our relations with them 

 have been pleasant and their advice has been helpful. 



The New England Research Council is proving its value as a co-ordi- 

 nating agency which is unifying the marketing research work of the 

 New England states. 



The New England Crop Reporting Service is doing valuable work in 

 making available reports on acreage, condition, yields, and value of farm 



