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 ANALYSIS OF PROGRAMS 



AGRICULTURAL MARKETING COORDINATOR 



In terms of prefatory remarks it should be noted the Agricultural 

 Marketing Coordinator position was filled and operative for only the last 

 four months of fiscal year 1069-1970 (March through June) . 



SERVICES PROVIDED . Identification of major needs in the agricul- 

 tural marketing system. Perform necessary research of the problems in 

 order to develop marketing programs directed toward a solution of these 

 needs. To implement sources of, and disseminate information relating to 

 supply-demand conditions, prevailing prices , transportation rates, and 

 structural changes in the marketing system. Develop and coordinate pro- 

 grams which assist producers and distributors in the economical and 

 efficient distribution of agricultural product at equitable prices. 



OBJECTIVES . Programs which improve the agricultural product market- 

 ing system through new market development, market expansion, and reduced 

 marketing costs all result in the stabilization and improvement of returns 

 to the producer. Considering Montana's marketing locations, the primary 

 nature of our products, and lack of competing transportation modes; a 

 healthy, viable agriculture will best be achieved through improved 

 marketing. 



TARGET GROUPS „ The services of the Marketing Coordinator are di- 

 rected towards the total agricultural sector of our economy. The immed- 

 iate recipients will be individual producers, marketing and service 

 cooperatives and processors. However, consumer groups will also benefit 

 from improved efficiency. 



ACHIEVEMENTS . Research was conducted, drafted and submitted to the 

 Interstate Commerce Commission in a Verified Statement of Protest to Ex- 

 Parte #255, Increased Rail rates in 1970. While the statement was not 

 successful in stopping the rate increase, it was a factor in the I.C.C. 

 decision to investigate the total rail rate structure. 



Implementation of a reporting system whereby the Bureau of Customs 

 provides data relating specifically to Canadian grains entering Montana. 

 This information was not available previously, yet it is an important 

 factor in "supply-price relationship". 



Cooperative action is underway with the Foreign Agricultural Service 

 (USDA) to participate in a system which provides joint referral of foreign 

 trade inquiries. This computer system will match foreign buyers with 

 local potential suppliers in an effort to expand export markets for all 

 our products. 



Federal-State matching fund marketing service programs which are 

 now under way will collect and disseminate specialized marketing intel- 

 ligence information for use by Montana producers and buyers of Montana 

 products. 



Wheat Quality Project - Wheat quality factors, protein, test weight, 

 moisture , and grade are collected and published by County for both winter 

 and spring wheat. The data generated from this program provides all buyers 

 with accurate information on which to base quality premium values. Prem- 

 iums paid by grain buyers significantly increase the income derived from 

 wheat marketing. 



