16 P.D. 123 



ture of the probable supply of farm products and the outlook for market 

 conditions. 



The Crop Reporting Service has cooperated during the past year in a 

 comprehensive study of the milk situation. A special report of farm con- 

 ditions in the state has been made each month and furnished to news- 

 papers and to farm publications. 



Research 



Market Statistics: Statistics of market receipts, prices, shipments, etc. 

 have been compiled and used from time to time. A bulletin was prepared 

 and published showing the Receipts and Sources of Boston's Food Supply 

 for 1926. A similar report for 1927 is now being compiled. 



Study of Quality Factors in Vegetables: Inspection records of quality 

 and prices of vegetables in Boston have been analyzed in order to discover 

 the physical quality characteristics which influence market demand. The 

 study has pointed out many valuable facts which can be used by Massa- 

 chusetts market gardeners. It indicates the varieties, types, sizes, etc. 

 which sell most readily in the market and has an important bearing on 

 the production and marketing policies of Massachusetts growers. No re- 

 port of this study has been published, but the material has been used in 

 meetings of growers and production specialists and has attracted a great 

 deal of interest. On the basis of this study many asparagus growers in 

 the Concord section and on Cape Cod are investigating the possibility of 

 growing a longer green stalk and cucumber growers in Dighton are plan- 

 ning on growing the Belleville variety of hot house cucumber in place of 

 the Granite State variety which has been grown there extensively. 



Cooperative Relations 



Neiv England Council: The Massachusetts Division of Markets has co- 

 operated with the New England Council in the development of a New 

 England grading program. The Second Annual Farm Marketing Con- 

 ference was held in Boston on December 9 and 10, at which time groups 

 of producers outlined their plans for a marketing program. 



New England Association of Marketing Officials: In outlining grade 

 requirements for farm products the Massachusetts Division of Markets 

 has cooperated with the New England Association of Marketing Officials 

 in order to develop uniform grades for New England. 



United States Department of Agriculture: Through the United States 

 Bureau of Agricultural Economics the Massachusetts Division of Mar- 

 kets is able to keep in constant touch with developments in all parts of 

 the country. Data are supplied on prices, receipts, unloads, shipments, 

 storage, etc. in all parts of the country. 



New Eyigland Research Council: The Massachusetts Division of Mar- 

 kets has cooperated with the New England Research Council during the 

 past year in making several studies, the most notable of which was the 

 study of milk marketing in New England. 



Neiv England Crop Reporting Service: In cooperation with the New 

 England Crop Reporting Service the Massachusetts producer has been 

 supplied with current information concerning acreage, condition, yield, 

 and probable production of the most important crops of the state. 



Massachusetts Agricultural College: The Massachusetts Division of 

 Markets has received hearty support and cooperation during the past 

 year from the Massachusetts Agricultural College, the Extension Service, 

 and the Experiment Station. 



