10 P.D. 123 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF MARKETS 



Poultry and Eggs 



The poultry and egg business of Massachusetts is continuing to show gains in 

 growth. The eggs alone, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, 

 have a value of close to $11,000,000. In such times as these, when industries are leav- 

 ing the state and others threatening to leave, it is sound business policy to aid new 

 and growing business enterprises. The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture has 

 been working with the poultry industry in Massachusetts in educational programs as 

 well as carrying out its regulatory functions. Twenty-two meetings have been held 

 in various parts of the state at which grading demonstrations were given as well as 

 talks on compliance with the egg laws. These talks and demonstrations were for the 

 benefit of producers, dealers, and consumers. During 1938 there were 8,083 inspections 

 made at establishments where eggs are sold. In addition to the above duties, work 

 of a promotional nature was carried on. Radio talks, exhibits, sales promotions were 

 part of the program. 



At Worcester 60 storekeepers competed in a store window egg display contest. The 

 department initiated the contest, which was immediately copied in Baltimore, Mary- 

 land; Providence, R. I.; Concord, N. H. ; and at the time of this writing, Connecticut 

 is planning a state-wide contest. The sales increased from 30% to 300%, according to 

 reports of storekeepers. This does not imply that the contest was entirely responsible 

 for the increase, because prices had dropped and supplies of eggs were ample. How- 

 ever, the experiment was timely and its use in future market gluts is assured. 



Egg shows were held in various parts of the state at which eggs were judged by 

 members of the department and prizes awarded for the highest scoring entries. 



Cooperative egg marketing organizations have also been given marketing assistance 

 in the form of instructions in candling and grading eggs. 



Another law relating to the sale of eggs by sizes has recently been given the de- 

 partment to enforce. This work is being carried on by the present inspectors of the 

 so-called fresh egg law. It is too early to report its effectiveness. However, favor- 

 able changes have been made in the industry since the law was passed. Advertise- 

 ments relating to size now have a definite meaning. 



Turkeys 

 The turkey industry of Massachusetts is also growing each year. The department 

 is aiding this industry by means of promotional as well as regulatory work. Inspec- 

 tions are made in connection with the enforcement duties assigned to the department in 

 the Earm Products Grading Law. Thousands of turkeys are purchased by large or- 

 ganizations such as the chain stores on the basis of official state grades, which require 

 inspection. Again, exhibits, radio talks, grading demonstrations, making sales con- 

 tacts, are part of the function of the department. Inspections are mainly seasonal due 

 to the fact that the bulk of the crop is marketed from October through December. 



Farmer Roadside Stands 

 Roadside stands selling farm products also receive the cooperation of the department 

 in the form of inspections and promotional work. Due to competition of stands which 

 purchase practically all of their products, bona fide producers want to be identified by 

 an official sign which designates that the products they sell are produced largely by 

 themselves. Regulations regarding the operation and appearance of these stands are 

 made by the department. 



Statistical Information 

 Eactual records of sources, seasons and prices of food supply are essential basis for 

 constructive changes and adjustments in production and marketing practices. Data on 

 amounts and sources of foodstuffs coming to the Boston consuming and distributing 

 center were compiled and the delayed publication of "Receipts and Sources of Boston 

 Eood Supply 1935 and 1936" was released. Other statistical tabulations summarized 

 for special requests included egg data, turkey prices, a brief review of the relation of 

 Massachusetts food production and consumption. 



Retail Market Report 



Retail prices on fresh foods were gathered weekly in Boston and Springfield. The 

 Boston Retail Report issued regularly includes a market news paragraph directing 

 attention to products in season, plentiful and relatively low priced. The retail price 



