COOPERATIVE GRAIN MARKETING. 21 



more important markets, it can readily be seen that conditions in 

 this section of the United States may not yield to the same kind of 

 marketing methods that are found desirable in other sections of the 

 United States and in Canada. 



The line-house method of operating country elevators has a num- 

 ber of economical advantages over the single-unit type of farmers' 

 elevator which may not be overlooked. For example, it allows 

 standardized construction and machinery. Thus certain repair parts 

 may be kept in stock at a central point, from which they may be 

 shipped quickly where needed. In case of crop failure in restricted 

 areas because of hail or drought which has not affected other sec- 

 tions, it is possible to close the elevators in the affected area during 

 the emergency. Also, elevators may be closed during the dull periods 

 without the losses which are attendant to the single-unit elevator 

 under similar conditions. The advantage of centralized accounting 

 and the opportunity for departmentalization and specialization is 

 apparent. 



Favoring the local single-unit form of cooperative elevators is a 

 degree of community pride which usually centers around these or- 

 ganizations, quite independent of the services rendered. Local gov- 

 ernment carries a special appeal to the average American citizen. 

 This to some extent must be lessened, if not entirely lost, where con- 

 trol is vested in a body of directors and a management distantly 

 situated. In many sections there is a prejudice against centralized 

 authority which is not easily overcome. 



In cooperative marketing it is more essential that the system be 

 suited to local conditions and practical need than it is that the system 

 itself shall have been successfully applied in other fields. The local 

 farmers' elevators, typical of the middle western section of the 

 United States, were established primarily to solve marketing prob- 

 lems of local character. That they have not extended their activities 

 to the terminal markets does not in any way reflect upon their success 

 as marketing institutions. Rather it indicates a conservativeness too 

 often lacking in movements of this kind. 



ADDITIONAL COPIES 



OF THIS PUBLICATION MAT BE PROCURED FROM 



THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 



"WASHINGTON, D. C. 



AT 



5 CENTS PER COPY 



V 



