49 BULLETIN 558, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. a 
Whenever practicable, associations should purchase existing plants 
rather than construct new ones, thus avoiding duplication of facili- — 
ties, with the resulting high cost of operation and reduced profits. 
In negotiating for the purchase of an old plant the association should 
secure the services of one or more experienced men to appraise the © 
property. | 
As a general rule farmers should investigate fully the business 
circumstances which are to surround the new enterprise before affili- 
ating themselves with the organization. Moreover, it is usually 
unwise to place too much confidence in what outsiders may say re- 
garding the profits to be derived and the cost of operating a country 
elevator. : 
CONCLUSIONS. * 
1. Price and other factors being equal, farmers should patronize 
houses remaining open throughout the entire year. , 
2. The producer of high-quality grain often receives less than it is — 
worth in order that an equal price may be paid to a grower of grain 
of inferior quality. 
3. The farmer who delivers clean, dry, sound grain should receive a 
premium over the price paid to his more careless competitor. Farmers 
who deliver grain of inferior quality should be willing to submit to 
a discount. 
4. Under the present methods of distribution the middleman 
renders a service to the seller in locating the most favorable outlet 
for his grain and securing for the buyer grain of the quality desired. 
However, the number of middlemen may be increased to the point 
where their efforts become a burden and add needlessly to the cost 
of marketing. 
5. The factors that must be considered in determining the price 
paid to the producer are so numerous and complicated as to require 
wide experience and good judgment. Under normal competitive con- 
ditions the farmer usually receives full market value for his grain. 
6. Market quotations and predictions relating to the probable trend 
of prices as they appear in some newspapers and market-news letters 
are often unreliable and should not influence unduly the judgment of 
elevator managers or farmers. 
7. While the “scoop-shoveler ” is usually a disturbing element, 
often causing loss to farmers and others having business relations 
with him, it is undoubtedly true that he frequently acts as a restrain- 
ing influence upon the country dealer. 
1 Much of the text of this bulletin is devoted to a discussion of methods of marketing 
at country points for the purpose of affording general information which does not lend 
itself to definite conclusions. 
