The Carlisle independent., 1910-06-09
HOW ENGLISH FARMERS WORK
Many Cooperative Societies Formed in United Kingdom After Danish
 Plan-Many Benefits.

The, benefit reported to be derived by farmers from their cooperative so- c-2ties in continental countries, espe- cially Denmark, has stimulated the formation of like societies in the Uni ted Kingdom. Consul Frank W. Ma hin of Nottingham says that many are now in operation, one of which he de- scribes:
 The Midland Farmers Cooperative association was formed in 1906. It now has 401 members, covers the counties of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, and is extending it's operations in the country, one in Wales having 900 and one in Suffolk and vicinity 1000 mem bers. All are growing in membership and seem to be of substantial advan- tage to the farmers concerned.
 The Midland association, through its general office in Nottingham, disposes of the products of it's members farms. excepting the live stock For instance. a member sends samples of his grain to the office. Officials keep themselves informed as to the best markets and sell to the highest offer, by means of the samples. Similar methods are used with other products. A small commission is charged by the general office for it's service, which charge is believed to be less than the gain to the farmer by dealing through the wellinformed intermediary. The man. ager of the association personally at- tends the Crain nnd -l-a held on stated days in the district, and thus is always fully acquainted with prices and conditions
 Through the general office the mem Der buys supplies for his farm-ma- chinery. fertilizers, seeds, cakes for stock food, oil, coal, etc.; not, how ever, groceries or other amily con- modities. The office issues a monthly price list, for members only, giving the cost of the various articles deliy- cred or at seaports. In the latter case the freight charges from the seaports to the principal towns in the district are stated. All the prices are said to be less than the member would be charged if he individually bought the supplies. In addition, the member is assured that his purchases will always be of the best quality and character. Articles bought are sent by the seller directly to the farmer. Any complaint or dissatisfaction is dealt with and the cause removed, if possible, by a com mittee of the association. Members are not required to buy through the association
 The monthly price list contains, be- sides the cost of supplies, suggestions and information regarding the best farming devices and methods and probable changes in prices and trade conditions. The anual cash business of the association is now about S125. 900. and has steadily increased each year. The expenses are about three per cent. of that amount. The income from con- missions and other sources paid five per cent. dividend to the shareholders in 1909, fair interest for each men- ber's investment, leaving as clear profit all that he gains by dealing through the association.
 The present paid-up capital of the association is s2.500 Each share costs five shillings ts1.2D, paid by install ments, as required. Every member must hold one share. and no more, for each ten acres which he occupies, sub- ject to the proviso that he must hold not less than four shares.