6 P.D. 123 



tioned body and with a more sympathetic understanding of the farmers' 

 problems. 



Market Quotations 



Our Market Reports and radio talks now have a permanent place in the 

 dissemination of prices of agricultural commodities. Radio talks on prices 

 of farm products and seasonal agricultural activities are broadcasted during 

 the noon hour and supper hour to thousands of interested farmers who 

 "listen in" daily for this important information. These special features have 

 developed rather recently, and the possibilities for future development seem 

 unlimited. 



Bird Books 



A series of books on New England birds have gained national prominence 

 and reputation during the past four years. The late Edward Howe Forbush, 

 the editor, spent a lifetime in studying the birds, and his great natural 

 ability is clearly shown in the masterful description of bird life in his three 

 volumes of "Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England States." 

 Every home in our State could use to advantage a set of these outstanding 

 publications. 



Progress in Poultry Raising 



Poultry industry has made commendable progress since 1920 in the 

 quality and quantity of poultry and poultry products. Starting with an 

 industry that indicated a value of about 7,000,000 dollars, it has more than 

 doubled in value during a period of 10 years. Possibilities for expansion 

 are excellent. In every county, we have farms adapted to poultry raising 

 and upon which other branches of farming wUl not prosper. We do not 

 begin to supply the demand for Massachusetts selected eggs and each year 

 we notice a growing demand for fresh killed native poultry. 



The turkey industry has grown from a few thousand in 1920 to more 

 than 50,000 in 1929. Improved methods of production and better market- 

 ing relations have greatly influenced the rapid growth of the industry. 

 Control of the dreaded Black Head disease was responsible more than any 

 other factor for the phenomenal growth of turkey farming. Massachusetts 

 Quality Labels are used extensively on our native turkey and the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture is inspecting and policing the grades. We look forward 

 to a steady, prosperous growth for the turkey farmers. 



More Orderly Marketing of Farm Products 



Methods of marketing have changed within a decade to meet the changing 

 methods of production and the ever-present competition from other agricul- 

 tural sections of the country. Our farmers have come to a realization that 

 business methods must be firmly introduced into our agricultural work. 

 Individually and collectively the producers of farm products have awakened 

 to the need of sound business principles in the many different phases of 

 producing and marketing their crops. More and more of our farmers are 

 preparing themselves for their li/e work by taking practical courses in 

 county agricultural schools or agricultural colleges, and the business and 

 management side of agriculture is not neglected in these institutions. 



Several co-operative organizations have developed during the past few 

 years wherein groups of farmers have banded together under our co-operative 

 law to secure the greater benefits of marketing graded farm products in 

 volume under a State Quality Label. The cucumber growers of Mansfield, 

 the asparagus growers of Eastham and Middlesex County, the apple men of 

 Nashoba Fruit Belt and the strawberry producers of Falmouth have organ- 

 ized to do business co-operately in a big way under a trained manager, 

 as has also the New England Cranberry Sales Company of Middleboro. 



The newly organized Federal Farm Board is equipped to assist our co- 

 operatives. This Board cannot deal directly with the individual. Under 

 the terms of the agricultural marketing act, it may lend only to qualified co- 

 operative associations. To qualify under the Capper-Volstead Act, the 

 co-operative must be composed of persons engaged in the production of 



