P.D. 123 7 



The division was called upon to assist in the establishment of a large sheep farm 

 on Martha's Vineyard. Very rapid progress has been made in the development of 

 this farm. Numerous other small flocks of sheep have been built up by sheep pur- 

 chased through the division's efforts. 



Wool Marketing. — For the sixteenth year the division supervised the Massachusetts 

 Wool Pool, marketing much wool in the grease and manufacturing several thousand 

 pounds of wool into virgin wool blankets. This service was available to all wool 

 growers of the State, and wool was assembled from 384 producers. 



Dairy Goat production continues to occupy the interest of more and more people. 

 The seven local associations and the Massachusetts Council of Dairy Goat Breeders 

 have always worked very closely with the department, presenting all problems for 

 our consideration and advice. 



Promotional Activities have been carried on by means of hundreds of letters written; 

 numerous meetings attended ; radio addresses prepared ; and contests arranged, per- 

 haps the most prominent of which were those planned to cover general livestock in 

 connection with the Union Agricultural Meetings. Another outstanding activity was 

 the Junior Fat Lamb and Pig Contest at the Eastern States Exposition, with which 

 the division assisted. 



Poultry Work was active with the usual inspections in connection with the grade 

 known as Massachusetts Record of Performance Pullorum Clean. There were fifteen 

 breeders whose plants were inspected. The department is cooperating with the Federal 

 Government in its National Poultry Improvement Plan. Sales records are kept of 

 stock sold, and are verified and sent to purchasers. 



1940 Summary of R. O. P. Work 



Number of birds entered in R. O. P _ 11,961 



Number of birds passing R. O. P. requirements 4,465 



Percent of birds entered that passed R. O. P. requirements _ 37.32 



Average yearly egg production of all birds that passed R. O. P. requirements 247.77 

 Average yearly egg weight of all birds passing R. O. P. requirements — oz. 



per dozen - -— 25.76 



Average body weight of all birds passing R. O. P. requirements — in pounds 



per bird - — - 6.19 



It is interesting to note that the average yearly egg production of all birds that 

 passed R. O. P. requirements is 247.77 eggs, whereas the state average for all birds 

 is 155 eggs. Yet, Massachusetts has the highest state average in the United States. 

 It is obvious that the breeding influence of R. O. P. flocks is very beneficial to the 

 flocks in the state as a whole. 



Poultry Certification. — This work continues with flocks meeting definite require- 

 ments in the grade known as Massachusetts Certified Pullorum Clean. All such birds 

 are individually inspected and leg-banded. 



Poultry Transportation Law. — The law under which 579 licenses were issued to 

 transport poultry has very quietly, but effectively, proved its value in curtailing poultry 

 thieving 



Poultry Tattooing. — The continued use of the tattoo outfits registered by the State 

 Police and distributed to the poultrymen of the state has been a decided help in checking 

 reported stolen poultry and in apprehending thieves. 



Milk Dealers' Licensing and Bonding Law 



The bonding of milk plant operators has continued to function during 1940 from 

 the ofiices of the Milk Control Board. During the year 611 dealers applied for licenses 

 to operate milk plants. Surety bonds and notes payable to the Commissioner of Agri- 

 culture totalled $642,000.00 



The department, in routine fashion, has contacted dealers for producers regarding 

 payments due for milk. The department was able to settle these problems, in most 



