MARKETS, MARKETING, CO-OPERATION 917 



Showing Co-opeeation. 



Growers' Union of Oregon, the California Fruit Growers' Exchange, and 

 more than a hundred others that could be mentioned. 



Successful co-operation requires a study of local conditions and needs. 

 While the principles of co-operation are similar for all places, their applica- 

 tion must be modified to meet the needs of each locality. It is, therefore, 

 necessary for the farmers to get together and thoroughly discuss the ways 

 in which they can co-operate. The launching of a co-operative association 

 requires leadership, and whether for the purpose of selling or buying, a 

 good business manager is needed. The Citrus Growers' Association of 

 California pay their manager $10,000 a year. 



As co-operation develops in any region, there should be a central 

 co-operative organization to assist and advise the local branches. Once 

 such an organization is started, it makes easy the organization of many 

 local branches which soon enlarge and increase the effectiveness of the 

 organization as a whole. The more territory covered by the organization 

 the more completely can it control the marketing and prices of the farm 

 products. 



In What Can Farmers Co-operate? — Farmers can co-operate in 

 exchanging work, in the joint ownership of expensive machines and pure- 

 bred sires. They may exchange fresh meats, fruits and vegetables to 

 advantage. By co-operation, they can secure and maintain good roads, 

 improve the schools, churches and country clubs. They may establish 

 cow-testing associations and co-operative creameries; drainage districts 

 may be formed and farm bureaus established for the betterment of agricul- 



