Distributing and Handling 

 Grain-Feeds in New Hampshire 



1. CHARACTERISTICS OF MILLING AND 



DISTRIBUTING FIRMS 



by 



George B. Rogers, Research Economist 



and 



Harry C. Woodworth, Agricultural Economist* 



1. Introduction 



THE ASSEMBLY and distribution of grain-feeds is a vital link in the 

 agriculture of New Hampshire. Heavily dependent upon the mixed-feeds 

 industry are the poultry and dairy industries which together account for 

 almost four-fifths of the State's agricultural income. 



Less than two percent of the tonnage of grains and mixed feeds used 

 annually in the State is home-grown. As a deficit feed-producing areaf New 

 Hampshire must draw the bulk of its feed needs in such a way as to obtain 

 adequate nutritional standards for its livestock at a cost not disadvantageous 

 to its competitive position. Obviously, grains and mixed feeds should logical- 

 ly cost more per unit in this area than in surplus grain areas, other things 

 being equal, but the difference in cost should not exceed the selling ad- 

 vantages accruing to New Hampshire producers through such things as 

 nearness to market, higher quality, and volume. 



It is the mutual concern of the grain companies and their outlets and 

 their farmer customers to see that the feed needs of New Hampshire live- 

 stock are supplied at the minimum practicable cost. It is equally important 

 that the efficiency of grain handling on the farm, as well as in the various 

 stages of distribution, keeps pace with that in other areas. 



Therefore, the objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to appraise 

 the present system of assembling, distributing, and handling grain-feeds; 

 and (2) to explore means of effectuating greater efficiency in that system. 



2. The Market for Grain-Feeds 



BEFORE PROCEEDING to a descriptive analysis of the assembly, dis- 

 tribution, and handling of grain-feeds, delineation of the needs to be 

 met is in order. How large is the market for mixed grain-feeds in New 

 Hampshire? What livestock enterprises are the major users? What are 

 the area differences? What is the influence of size of consuming units? 



* Professor Woodworth originated this study and initiated much of the field work 

 prior to his death on September 18, 1953. 



fAskow, W. R., and V. J. Brensike, The Mixed Feeds Industry, Marketing Re- 

 search Report No. 38, Bureau Agricultural Economics, U.S.D.A., May, 1953, Table 5 

 and p. 19. Of 16 states having the smallest production of mixed feeds, four, including 

 New Hampshire, were deficit with respect to all seven major feed ingredients. 



