88 MONTANA AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 



WHY HAVE CROP AND LIVESTOCK REPORTS 



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A man's judgment is no better than his facts and crop and livestock reports are the basic facts of Agriculture. 



They aid farmers in planning their production and marketing which helps to provide an orderly market. 



They give producers the same foresight to future price trends that organized dealers possess. 



They are the best basis for adjusting supply to demand which Is highly essential if maximum price is to prevail. 



They eliminate the HI effects of misleading reports that might be circulated for private gain, if there were no 

 official reports. 



They reduce the amount of speculation in farm products. Speculation thrives on uncertainty. Unbiased official 

 crop reports reduce uncertainty which limits speculation. 



They are a check on fluctuation in price. Uncertainty of supply promotes undue fluctuation In price. 



They are the basis for analysis of agriculture and other business conditions. 



They give information on surplus and deficit areas of production making possible a more economical distribution 

 of products. 



They enable transpwrtation companies to make a better distribution of cars, trucks, barges, etc. for moving farm 

 products. 



They aid farm organizations, schools and others in planning constructive programs. 



They are a guide to farm resources and for developing new resources such as irrigation, electric power, location 

 of food processing and other factories. 



They Indicate potential buying power thereby enabling the manufacturer to meet the probable demand. With 

 economical production and distribution, the manufacturer can sell at a lower price than he could with uncertain 

 demand. 



They reduce the risk of ownership of buyers of farm products which enables them to do business on a smaller 

 margin. Under the stimulus of competition, they pay producers higher prices than could be paid if uncertainty of 

 production existed. 



They are Indispensable in times of war t)ecause food is as essential as ammunition and weapons of war. 



They are essential In enacting wise legislation affecting Agriculture. 



They provide an accurate, unbiased picture of Montana agriculture. The facts on present and prospective 

 supplies furnish a sound basis for judgment and action by farmers, other individuals, business men, railroads, 

 crop and livestock interests and governmental agencies. 



