€()e CommonUjealtt) of ^\a^^ati^u^ttt^ 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives: — 



In compliance witli the provisions of Chapter 128 of the General Laws, I am 

 herewith making my annual report for the year ending November 30, 1932, for the 

 Department of Agriculture. 



Respectfully submitted, 



A. W. Gilbert, Commissioner. 



Personnel of the Department 

 Commissioner of Agriculture — Dr. Arthur W. Gilbert, Belmont 



Advisory Board Appointed by the Governor and Council 

 George E. Taylor of Shelburne, Term expires November 30, 1933. 

 James O'Brien of Lee, Term expires November 30, 1934. 

 John T. Goggin, of Seekonk, Term expires November 30, 1934. 

 John Bursley, of Barnstable (West), Term expires November 30, 1935. 

 Stuart L. Little of Newbury, Term expires November 30, 1935. 



Divisions and Organizations 

 Dairying and Animal Husbandry — Director, Joseph C. Cort, Reading. 

 Markets — Director, Laurence A. Bevan, Newtonville. 

 Ornithology — Director, Dr. John B. May, Cohasset. 

 Plant Pest Control — Director, R. Harold Allen, Taunton; Assistant Director, 



QuiNCY S. LowRY, Canton. 

 Reclamation, Soil Survey and Fairs — Director, L. B. Boston, Auburndale; 



Assistant Director, A. W. Lombard, Arlington. 

 Agriculturist — Daniel J. Curran, Marlborough. 



State Reclamation Board 

 Chairman, Edward Wright, Dedham 

 L. B. Boston, Auburndale Gen. Richard K. Hale, Brookline 



Secretary, George R. Stratton, Hopkinton 



REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER 



The prices for farm products continued to decline during the past year, primarily 

 because of the steady decline in the purchasing power of the consumer. In many in- 

 stances, staple farm products such as apples, onions and market garden crops were 

 sold on our local markets at a price below the cost of production. There is no question 

 but what our farmers are beginning to understand the seriousness of the situation. 

 They have practised strict economy in the many phases of production and market- 

 ing of their farm products, and are mindful of the fact that further cuts and elimi- 

 nation of expense must be put into operation if thej^ are to continue in the business 

 of farming for a liveliliood. We share with them the hope that prices have reached 

 the lowest level and that the j^ear 1933 will be the turning point in an upward trend 

 of prices that will give them some courage in continuing the business of farming. 

 In some communities there has been a slight decrease in taxes on real estate, but 

 the ever-present tax on our farms is a staggering burden to our farmers who are not 

 able to sell the farm products at a profit. This department is stressing special 

 economies in the matter of marketing our agricultural products, and every effort 

 is being made to study the consumer demand for local farm products and correlate 

 that demand with economic production. 



There has been a slight back-to-the farm movement which usually takes place 

 in a period of depression with many persons unemployed. This department has 

 attempted to be helpful to those especially desirous of locating on a Massachusetts 

 farm. It has been our pohcj' to advise such people very definitely that experience 



