HUMAN EFFORT AS A FACTOR IN PRODUCTION 263 



these independent interests were federated and striving together for 

 certain definite desired objects. The purpose of the farm bureau is 

 to co-ordinate these and get all working together as far as possible. 



2. To help organize community interests already present. In 

 every county there are undeveloped enterprises awaiting organization. 

 For example, there is the general production of good seed corn, 

 wheat, oats, etc. in sufficient quantities to develop a reputation for 

 it, the breeding of horses for local use, and, in many cases, the improve- 

 ment of dairy herds by the formation of cow-testing associations, com- 

 munity drainage associations, etc. There are many other projects, 

 too, that need development. It is the purpose of the farm bureau to 

 organize and assist these. 



3. To give encouragement and aid in the development and forma- 

 tion of farmers' co-operative companies. 



4. To study local conditions with an eye to helping adjust labor 

 difficulties. In every community there are economic problems having 

 to do with the cost of production, cost of transportation, productive 

 investments of capital, labor scarcity, and the like, that often have a 

 vital influence upon the agriculture of the county. Many of the 

 bureaus assist in bringing the unemployed in touch with the employer 

 on the farm, who, many times, is hard pressed for sufficient labor to 

 carry on farm operations. 



5. To demonstrate, where possible, better farm management. 

 There is opportunity everywhere for better farm practices and more 

 profitable systems of management. Oftentimes the adoption of farm 

 practices that a change of conditions has brought about, practices that 

 were unknown thirty years ago, will add materially to farm incomes. 

 It is one of the functions of the bureau to point out, if possible by 

 practical demonstrations and co-operation on different farms and with 

 various farmers in scattered neighborhoods in the county, such of 

 these newer methods as have proved their worth. For example, we 

 may mention the more liberal use of lime in many cases, the better 

 management of fruit trees, the improvement of the flocks and herds 

 through live stock associations, etc. 



6. To give personal assistance. This is, by all means, the most 

 important. The farm, bureau manager is called upon each day by 

 letter, telephone, or personal visit to give advice on varied subjects 

 and practices. In order to cover this, no man should be a farm bureau 

 manager who has not had the experience acquired by several years of 

 successful farm management, coupled with technical knowledge on 



