a/f^ou ^yiOW for market 



NEVER DECEIVE YOUR BUYER. The integrity of your pack is a priceless 

 asset. Build prestige and never let it go. Once it is lost it takes years 

 to regain it. You are the manager. It is your responsibility to maintain 

 your standards with never any compromise on the quality, never any 

 topping. Your package is a reflection of your strength. 



IDENTIFY YOUR PACKAGE. If you are proud enough of your tomatoes 

 put your name and brand en the package, then set a standard and stick 

 to it. If it is US No. 1, say so. If it is US No. 2, admit it but make it a 

 good US No. 2. 



OTHERS HAVE SET HIGH STANDARDS. The Boston Market Gardeners 

 Association grades their tomatoes. With them a tomato is unacceptable 

 if it has a stem crack in excess of Vi inch. With them freshness and 

 flavor count, uniform size is essential. If Boston can do it you can too. 



CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED. Use the descriptions in this manual as your 

 guide. Some tomatoes are bred for market, some for the cannery. Some 

 are bred for early maturity, some for size. Generally speaking we 

 recommend F2 Hybrids for at least 75% of your market acreage. 



FOR THE CANNERY 



PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR PLANT SUPPLY. Know your sources. Know your variety 

 and know a good plant when you see one. Don't overlook the amazing production 

 records that are being made by hybrids. 



USE A STARTER SOLUTION. It will make a difference of 3 tons per acre. There 

 are several good starter solutions available such as Hy-Gro, Take Hold, Soil 

 13-26-13 Rich or VHPF 5-25-15. 



SUPERVISE YOUR PICKING. Give your pickers a goal for which to work. Consider 

 paying them by the hour or offer a bonus of 2c a basket to maintain a grade of 

 80% US No. I's or better. When your grade is only 80% arrange for the canner 

 to advise you. Always handle your baskets promptly. Flat wagons with rubber 

 tires, hitched in tandem and delivered by tractor, save an extra handling. 



STAND UP TO YOUR CONTRACT. Only by doing so can you maintain the integrity 

 of the contract system. Once that is lost experience shows that the quality of an 

 entire area falls to a lower level. We strongly recommend that cannery growers 

 contract with a well managed, well financed company which appreciates quality 

 and will pay for it. Only quality tomatoes can be made into quality products. Only 

 by following the rules of good management can you help yourself and your con- 

 tract canner. In the competitive times ahead be sure you have a place for your 

 tomatoes at an agreed upon price. 



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