110 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 169. 



Prices to Farmers. / 



The prices paid to farmers for 100 pounds of onions in 1913, 1914 and 

 1915 were approximately as follows: — 



1913. 



These prices are for onions delivered at the cars or warehouses. The 

 sack in practically every case is furnished by the dealer without cost to the 

 farmer. Prices paid to farmers show wide seasonal and individual varia- 

 tions; selling the crop a few days earlier or a few days later may make a 

 decided difference in the amount which the farmer receives. Not infre- 

 quently the writer heard these statements: "We sold at just the right 

 time, because two days later the bottom dropped out of the onion market 

 completely," or "We made a mistake when we sold so early, because the 

 cry 'overproduction and low prices later' was not true." Both these 

 statements are undoubtedly correct, because the condition of the market 

 does control the price, and the condition of the market in turn is ultimately 

 controlled by the available supply and the effective demand. 



But there are other variations in prices — variations between farmers 

 who sell on the same day, often to the same dealer. There are numerous 

 reasons for such variations. The.y may be the result of an inferior quality, 

 due to inferior culture or soil, or defective methods of harvesting and 

 curing, or possibly failure to give proper attention to grading, bagging 

 or handling. These factors all enter into the making of a standard market- 

 able product put up in the best possible shape. Correctness and reliability 

 of grading and packing are the farmer's "market character," and the 

 buyers are quick to recognize a farmer's reputation for quality and honest 

 practice. Such a reputation undoubtedly pays. 



