34 



Our producers of fruits, vegetables and other farm crops should 

 learn how to place the produce on the market in the most attractive 

 condition. There are tricks in all trades and this applies to farming as 

 well as to other industries. The manufacturers of toilet articles, such as 

 shaving soap and powders, would not be able to show a profit in this 

 business if they exercised no more care than many of our farmers when 

 marketing the various foodstuffs. The whole problem of putting up the 

 produce in a more attractive form demands the most careful considera- 

 tion. I reniember the time when all the oatmeal sold in country stores 

 was put up in kegs and barrels. The manufacturers have since learned 

 that it is more convenient and that the oatmeal sells better when put up 

 in attractive packages. An extensive grower- of potatoes at Norfolk has 

 learned that he is able to sell his potatoes at a higher price if the hoops 

 around the barrels are painted red. A Long Island strawberry grower 

 claims that he gets two cents more a basket by first placing fancy tissue 

 paper in the basket, which is folded over top of the baskets after they 

 have been filled with berries. A sweet-corn grower ,of New York has 

 materially increased the price received for sweet-corn by packing in 

 attractive paper cartons. 



The problem of placing food at the door of the consumer must be 

 solved very largely through co-operation. There must be co-operation 

 among the farmers of the state. The institution which I represent stands 

 ready to help the farmer in every way that is possible. Our bulletins 

 are sent free to all applicants. The County Agent movement is taking 

 hold and in the course of a few years will probably be organized in every 

 county of the state. There is no more efficient means of taking the 

 College to the farmer. The College proposes to meet the needs of the 

 farmer by furnishing him the best literature on farm topics, by holding 

 Farmers' Weeks and other special meetings, by demonstrations, co-opera- 

 tive experiments, corn clubs and other club service, and by the advice of 

 experts who will visit farms upon request, and by whatever service may 

 be necessary in order to bring to the attention of our producers the 

 information which is needed for the successful management of farms. 



Mrs. Smith: We have about ten minutes. If anyone wants to 

 discuss Dr. Watts' talk, he will be glad to answer any question and give 

 any help the State College can give on any matter having to bear upon 

 his address. 



Mrs. D. C. Leeds: I think the fact that there are not more profits 

 is due to the fact that the farmers as a rule do not think it is necessary 

 to have the chickens picked just right or the fruit packed right. There 

 is the reason the farmer loses. 



Dr. Watts: The lady has remarked that the reason the farmers are 

 not more successful in realizing profits is that as a rule they do not realize 



