P.D. 123 23 



Turkeys 



Marketing turkeys becomes a greater problem each year, due to the gradual 

 increase in production. Massachusetts, while essentially an industrial state, 

 is taking advantage of the increased demand for this nationally known bird. 

 According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 302,000 birds 

 were produced in Massachusetts in 1939. This is an increase of 25% over 

 1938. In 1929 the production for the state was 61,000, and since then there 

 has been a gradual increase, so that now Massachusetts by far leads the New 

 England States— in fact, it almost triples the production of Vermont, which 

 state has enjoyed the x-eputation of producing many turkeys. 



In connection with this expansion of the turkey industry, the Massachusetts 

 Department of Agriculture has rendered definite service to the industry, in 

 order that the prosperity and well-being of this agricultural group might be 

 increased. A member of the department attended the many meetings of the 

 Massachusetts Turkey Growers' Association. Assistance was given wherever 

 possible in carrying out the marketing program of this organization. Radio 

 broadcasts were arranged and inspections of several thousand turkeys were 

 made on the basis of the officially established grades of the Department. 

 Assistance by way of establishing a brand mark was also given. There were 

 many other ways in which the Department contributed toward the successful 

 operation of this marketing project. 



Eggs 



The production of eggs constitutes a major phase of our poultry industry. 

 Few people realize the contribution that poultrymen make toward the wealth 

 of Massachusetts. The income from the production of eggs alone is over 

 $10,000,000. When combined with poultry meat and hatching eggs, the value 

 of poultry and poultry products sold approximates $17,000,000, according to 

 the 1938 figures issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Perhaps the 

 biggest contribution which the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture 

 makes toward the poultry industry is through the law enforcement work. The 

 Fresh Egg Law and the Egg Sizing Law enable the consumer to buy fresh, 

 large eggs with confidence, when eggs are offered for sale or advertised for 

 sale as fresh, strictly fresh, new laid or nearby, and the container is marked 

 with "large size" designation. Inspections are being made by three inspectors. 



Educational work is also carried on in connection with this law enforcement 

 program. Last year 8570 inspections were made. Many hearings were held 

 and violators were brought to the attention of the court in a few instances. 

 The percentage of fresh egg violations has been reduced to less than 4%. Egg- 

 sizing law violations averaged approximately 23%, and the majority of these 

 had to do with advertisements which stated prices, but which did not designate 

 the size. The next most important reason for the violations was due to 

 cartons not being marked. 



The growth of the poultry industry has increased employment, has brought 

 a much desired food product to the consumer at lower prices. The fresh egg 

 law has been an important factor in the improvement of the quality. 



Market Reporting 



Market reporting has long been a function of the Division of Markets, and 

 the service has been modified from time to time to meet the needs of changing 

 conditions. The mailed report has given way largely to the newspaper report 

 and more especially to radio reports. Ninety-two per cent of our farmers 

 have radios and radio reports are available at 6:30 a.m. and at 12:15 noon. 

 The highlights of the market at 6:30 a.m. have proven of distinct advantage, 

 as they represent actual going prices at the moment. 



The division recently conducted a poll to ascertain the value, timeliness 

 and use of the market report from Boston. It is found to be practically im- 

 possible with present mail and train facilities to deliver reports much beyond 



