32 BULLETIN" 1019, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The State marketing agent undertook to assist the farmers in formu- 

 lating a plan for marketing this commodity, but for various reasons 

 the growers did not take readily to the plan and the matter was 

 dropped. 



Notwithstanding the fact that up to the present time very little 

 has been accomplished, there is an apparent desire on the part of 

 many growers in the different producing districts in the different 

 States to handle the broom-corn crop on a cooperative basis and the 

 time appears to be rapidly approaching when some definite steps 

 again will be taken with that end in view. The growers, however, 

 realize that there are many difficulties to be overcome. 



A good part of the service rendered to their companies by travel- 

 ing buyers, and the consequent expense, no doubt, could be eliminated 

 and substantial savings made by the organization of cooperative mar- 

 keting associations. By working together on a cooperative basis the 

 growers would be able to provide for themselves warehouses and 

 storage facilities, and with these facilities assemble the brush in 

 quantities at convenient central points. A competent sales manager 

 could be employed to market the brush, and in this way much of the 

 existing disastrous competition would be eliminated and much of the 

 service now being performed by itinerant buyers could be abolished. 

 The evident lack of reliable market information and proper under- 

 standing of market grades and standards has placed the growers at 

 a great disadvantage, and unscrupulous buyers have frequently taken 

 advantage of this situation. 



It is believed that properly organized cooperative associations 

 would be of material assistance in solving many local marketing 

 problems encountered under the prevailing systems. Cooperative 

 associations efficiently managed can obtain and use for their members 

 reliable market information. They can assist in the establishment 

 and maintenance of proper market grades and standards and in the 

 more intelligent preparation of brush for market. In fact, it should 

 be possible for them to obtain for the broom-corn growers more 

 nearly the true market value of their brush. 



In considering the formation of a cooperative marketing associa- 

 tion it is essential that a careful study of the local situation be made. 

 Among other things it is vital that there should be a sufficient volume 

 of business available to justify the existence of an organization 3 and 

 the employment of a competent manager. There should be a definite 

 need for such an association in a community or district, and the 

 mental attitude of the growers should be favorable toward an under- 

 taking of this character. Otherwise the future loyaltv of the mem- 

 bers will be doubtful. 



3 A suggested form of by-laws may be obtained from the Bureau of Markets and Crop 

 Estimates, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



o 



