34 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



exchange marketing lists which make known to county agents, breed- 

 ers, and feeders in these States, where surpluses of live stock, feeds, 

 and seeds are to be found. It is estimated that last year, through 

 such service, the farmers in Iowa alone made local exchanges having 

 an estimated value of $1,500,000. 



COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATIONS. 



Particularly must the Federal and State agencies omit nothing to 

 promote farmers' cooperative associations along right lines. Al- 

 ready, within a generation, many such bodies have appeared and 

 rapidly expanded. It is estimated that they now market an- 

 nually approximately $1,500,000,000 worth of commodities. They 

 are of very diverse forms and sizes. For the most part, where they 

 have been successful they have centered their activities on some one 

 product, or on related products, in a given area. The indications are 

 that, Avith the continued success of these enterprises and with the 

 proper educational effort and direction, they will develop even more 

 rapidly in the future. Through bulletins, news articles, and lectures, 

 the Department of Agriculture has endeavored to stimulate these 

 efforts. It has furnished suggestions for State legislation governing 

 their organization and, in cooperation with 23 States, it has employed 

 trained specialists to advise extension workers, including county 

 ?.gents, and others, with reference to cooperative marketing. 



As I have said, the rational program would seem to be to expand 

 these activities, which have clearly demonstrated their value, to 

 follow the scent as it were, and further to develop the machinery 

 through which increased assistance may be furnished. There should 

 be in every State one or more trained market specialists of the De- 

 partment of Agriculture, working in cooperation with the proper 

 State authority, to stimulate cooperative enterprises and to aid farm- 

 ers in their marketing work by helpful suggestions as to plans and 

 methods. These experts could very effectively aid the extension 

 workers. County agents generally have the assistance of specialists 

 in many other lines, but at present they have not the requisite aid 

 in distribution. They can not be expected to be expert in all agri- 

 cultural matters or to be omniscient. The department is requesting 

 increased funds to make this extension possible and will take the 

 necessary action promptly if the appropriations are made. 



