322 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



Minnesota, in 1916, 270 of these elevators did a business of 

 about $24,000,000. In addition to handling grain, most 

 elevator associations make cooperative purchases of supplies, 

 such as coal, feed, binder twine, etc. 



Real cooperation, in the sense of loyalty of members to 

 each other and to the cooperative concern, and good manage- 

 ment are necessary for success. The gains made by a small, 

 but well-managed enterprise, engaged in jointly by a number 

 of farmers in any neighborhood, may make the undertaking 

 quite worthwhile; but the experience of working together 

 will be worth even more than the profit in dollars and cents. 

 It will also encourage the undertaking of larger enterprises. 



The thing most lacking in securing cooperative effort 

 among farmers is leadership. This is now supplied in many 

 localities by the county farm agent. While he cannot enter 

 actively into any cooperative organization, he is able to 

 give much assistance in getting it under way. 



Educational relations. The need of educational oppor- 

 tunities is recognized in most communities The standards 

 may not always be high, but there is generally a genuine 

 desire to give the children the benefit of such educational 

 advantages as the school may afford. The school therefore 

 becomes a center of common interest. With this interest as 

 a basis, school patrons may be brought together to deal with 

 matters affecting the school; for example, to make a campaign 

 for better financial support. Organizations composed of 

 teachers and parents, such as patrons' clubs and mothers' 

 clubs, may not only initiate movements for better facilities, 

 but will give the teachers the support and encouragement 

 necessary for the best service. 



The school itself should extend its influence beyond its 

 four walls into the homes of the community. Much of the 



