432. ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

 DIRECT MARKETING ACTIVITIES. 



The general aim in this work, which was under the supervision of 

 Mr. Lewis B. Flohr, was to ascertain, analyze, and classify the factors 

 that operate for or against the successful marketing of farm produce 

 by parcel post or express from producers direct to consumers ; to de- 

 termine definitely the limitations of direct marketing both from 

 physical and economic standpoints ; and to diffuse useful information 

 to interested persons. 



During the year experimental shipments to the number of 303, in- 

 volving 18 commodities and aggregating in weight 6,856 J pounds, 

 were made by parcel post and express OA^er distances totaling 63,164 

 miles. The purpose in making these shipments was to obtain first- 

 hand information as to the physical condition of farm produce trans- 

 ported by parcel post and express and to test the efficiency of different 

 kinds of shipping containers. In nearly every instance the success of 

 the shipments depended on the quality of the product, the type of 

 container, care used in packing and transporting, and length of time 

 inXransit. The value of a commodity in proportion to its weight and 

 the price which it will bring are factors which must be considered in 

 determining the desirability of marketing by parcel post and express. 



Field studies were made in the vicinity of Detroit, Mich., and on 

 the rural parcel post motor routes from Washington, D. C, to 

 McConnellsburg, Pa., to determine the possibilities of the direct 

 marketing of farm products by motor truck, and to ascertain the 

 relative success of efforts that have been made to popularize direct 

 marketing. 



In the New England States and in eastern New York work was 

 conducted for the purpose of bringing producers and consumers into 

 business contact. Lists of names and addresses of farmers, with 

 the kinds of products they had for sale, were compiled, and copies 

 of these lists were supplied to consumers in cities. Lists giving 

 consumers' names, addresses, and products wanted were supplied 

 to producers. Similar work was conducted for six months in western 

 New York with Rochester, Corning, and Lockport as consuming 

 centers. 



During the year study was completed regarding the marketing 

 of dressed poultry and meats by parcel post, and, in cooperation 

 with the States Relations Service, assistance has been given to ex- 

 tension workers in solving problems relating to the marketing of 

 boys' and girls' club products. 



Studies have been made regarding the marketing of home and 

 club canned goods, drug plants, moss, mushrooms, nuts, sirups, and 

 teasel heads. 



MOTOR TRANSPORTATION OF FARM PRODUCTS. 



This Avork Avas started in March, 1918, and Avas continued up to 

 the close of the fiscal year 1919 under the direction of Mr. J. H. 

 Collins. 



Widespread popular interest has for some time been manifested 

 in agricultural districts in the possibilities of obtaining more direct 

 transportation service through more complete utilization of our 

 higliAvays, and this work was designed to assist in the development 

 of this moveniTent along proper lines. Direct cooperation was main- 

 tained with oAvners and operators of existing motor-truck routes. 



