920 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



for them to make their own shipments. Furthermore, many a farmer 

 would like to feed half a carload of cattle, but since he can buy from the 

 stockyards economically only in carload lots, he concludes that less than 

 this number is not worth while. In this way he fails to utilize roughage 

 and other unmarketable products on the farm. 



The above state of affairs has given rise to dissatisfaction and has 

 resulted in the organization of co-operative livestock shipping associations. 

 Minnesota has taken an active lead in this respect. In 1911 there were 

 three of these associations in that state. In 1913 the number had increased 

 to forty. Since then others have been added and a State Central Associa- 

 tion has been formed, the chief purpose of which is to assist in organizing 

 local associations and developing a uniform system of accounting. 



No capital is required in this kind of an organization. A manager 

 is employed to look after the shipping and selling of the stock. His chief 

 qualifications must be honesty, a thorough knowledge of livestock and 

 business methods. He should be a good salesman. Since he handles 

 considerable sums of money for the patrons, he should be required to give 

 a bond. 



When the members of the association have stock to market they 

 advise the manager. As soon as several members have enough to make 

 a carload, he advises each of the date when shipment will be made. The 

 stock of each member is given a number or other identification mark and 

 weighed. The stock of each is sold on its merit at the stockyards, and 

 the bill of sale shows what it brought. The manager may conduct the 

 business on a percentage basis or on a salary. He is subject to the direc- 

 tion of the board of managers. 



Marketing Eggs. — The bulk of eggs being produced as a side line, 

 can be marketed co-operatively in connection with the co-operative mar- 

 keting of other products to good advantage. In districts where co-opera- 

 tive creameries exist, eggs are found to be an ideal side line for the creamery. 

 The teams that bring milk or cream to the creamery can also bring eggs 

 produced by the patrons with practically no extra expense. In this # way 

 the creamery can secure eggs at frequent intervals and by having definite 

 rules will secure nothing but strictly fresh eggs and guarantee them to 

 consumers. It has the facilities for keeping eggs cool and for putting them 

 upon the market at the minimum of expense. 



^- -~ The plan that has proven successful with some creameries is to deliver 

 egg cartons and to supply a stamp to each patron. The eggs are stamped 

 as soon as gathered, placed in the carton, sealed and kept cool until 

 delivered. Patrons should gather eggs twice daily, especially during 

 warm weather, should grade them to uniform size and keep white and 

 brown eggs separate. If these eggs are stamped and guaranteed not to 

 be over a certain number of days old, they have been found to bring on 

 the market from two to five cents per dozen over the ruling price. In 

 some cases advance in price is even greater. 



