Be BULLETIN 1019,.U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. a 
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_ The State marketing agent undertook to assist the farmers in forma : 
lating a plan for eee this commodity, but for various reasons 
the growers did not take readily to. the plan and the matter was 
io aeaail 
Notwithstanding the fact that up to the present time very little 
has been accomphshed, 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 av ailable to justify the existence of an organization? 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 loyalty of the mem- — 
bers will be doubtful. 
8A suggested form of by-laws may be obtained from the Bureau of Markets and Crop 
Estimates, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 
O 
