UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
BULLETIN No. 477 
Contribution from the Office of Markets and Rural 
Organization 
CHARLES J. BRAND, Chief 
Washington, D. C. 
April 2, 1917 
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION OF STRAW 
BERRIES IN 1915. 
By O. W. Schleussner and J. C. Gilbert, Assistants in Market Surveys. 
CONTENTS. 
Page. 
Introduction 
Methods employed in dealing with straw- 
berry pickers 
Cooperative associations 
Sales methods commonly employed 
Transportation . 
Page. 
Extent, length, and volume of movement 
from all districts 11 
Comparison of prices received for strawberries 
on important markets 13 
Average quality of strawberries shipped 17 
Distribution of strawberries in 1915 18 
A study of the Louisiana district . 
9 I Total strawberry shipments in 1915. 
27 
INTRODUCTION. 
During the season of 1915 the Office of Markets and Rural Organ- 
ization of the Department of Agriculture conducted an experimental 
market news service for strawberries, tomatoes, muskmelons, and 
peaches. This involved securing telegraphic reports of shipments 
of these products from all originating common carriers, and reliable 
reports of arrivals and prices of these products on the principal 
markets. This information was distributed free to growers and 
shippers by mail or by wire "collect" as desired. 
In connection with this service, extensive surveys were made of 
the principal shipping areas of each of these crops and a representa- 
tive of the office was stationed in one or more of the centers of pro- 
duction of each during the commercial movement to distribute 
direct to the producers all the market news at the command of the 
department. 
The text of this bulletin is based upon observations made by the 
authors at shipping points, and by members of the staff working in 
the markets. The charts showing distribution are based upon 
reports furnished by wire during the shipping season by the railroads 
and boat lines handling important carload movements. 
The tabulation of shipments by stations is compiled from the 
records of the various carriers as transmitted to the department at 
Note.— This bulletin is of interest to strawberry growers, shippers, transportation companies, and 
consumers, and to all engaged in the trade in berries and fruits. 
62735°— Bull. 477—17 1 
