In the early stages of the development of bulk feed handling in the 

 East, a number of mechanical and technical problems (rather than the pre- 

 ceding tabulations which are predominently economic problems) were cited 

 rather frequently as drawbacks to the new method. These related to bin 

 construction (new feed drawing through and clogging of bins) ; uniformity 

 of mixtures (feared separation of various-sized particles in storage and 

 hauling) ; tagging and weighing (feared inaccuracies) ; and others of this 

 type. However, these matters were rapidly resolved, and do not pose serious 

 objections today toward extension of the bulk handling method. 



Conclusions 



IN the 1955 Census of Agriculture there is ample evidence of a decline 

 in numbers of farms and an increase in unit size. Fewer small units to 

 service should contribute toward increasing the efficiency of retail distri- 

 bution. 



Relocations and consolidations of retail feed stores are continually in 

 evidence. Determining optimum locations and areas to be serviced from 

 each is a matter of regular concern to feed companies. Much can be done 

 by these companies in the locational area as well as on delivery route re- 

 arrangement and efficiency. Further economies could undoubtedly be real- 

 ized by establishing an exclusive territory system if the institutional frame- 

 work of the industry permitted. 



Further work is needed on the relative efficiencies of delivering feed by 

 auger-type bulk trucks, pneumatic-type bulk trucks, and the hopper-elevat- 

 ing attachment on regular bagged trucks. Each of these, as well as delivering 

 feed in bags, may be the least cost method under different situations. 



Larger farm units will accelerate the swing toward bulk feed. Farm 

 bin plans can be developed for several typical situations, but the variation 

 in farm layouts requires modification before most of them could be used 

 for construction. 



Recent changes in bulk feed pricing are indicative of a shift from the 

 "incentive discount" toward a discount more nearly reflecting actual savings. 



Further work is needed on the keeping characteristics of feeds under 

 farm conditions. This is closely linked to the determination of frequency of 

 delivery and may well vary seasonally. 



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