Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1914-03-06
MARKET|NGPROBLEM
HOW TO GET PRODUCE TO THE
HOMES AND MAKE PROFIT,
THE QUESTION.
EXPENSE TOO GREAT BETWEEN EACH
Rural Credit System Outlined by Fed
eral Government to Aid Some
"Co-operation" Seems to Be the
Winning Word for Farmer.

The problems of getting farm pro-
duce to the consumer at the least cost
and of securing for the farmer work
ing capital at a moderate rate Of in
terest, and prices for his produce that
will adequately recompense him for
his labor and his investment, are GER
tainly of vital Importance.
There is undoubtedly too much
waste between the farmer and the
consumer. This is not the fault of
any one factor in the system of dis
tribution but rather of all. Not only
are the transportation interests and
the various middlemen probably
somewhat to blame, but even the pro-
ducers and the consumers are them
selves responsible in a measure for
the unsatisfactory condition of af-
fairs. We must recognize the fact
that the completely of the modern
business world has made it necessary
for man to specialize in his work to
larger degree than ever before. This
has necessitated a number of So
called "middlemen" and increased
distributive processes, requiring a
considerable margin between the first
producer and the ultimate consumer.
Then again, Mr.. Average Consumer is
demanding more in the way of quail
| ha did N
fore, which must necessarily further
increase the distributive margin.
1t is also true that the tendency to
cater to the fancy trade and distant
markets is, to some extent, causing
producers to neglect the home mar
kets. This tends to increase distrib-
utive and handling expenses, reduc-
ing profits to the producer and in
creasing the prices paid by the con-
sumner. OF course quality produce
pays and it is evident that efficient
selling organizations that will CORE
late supply and demand and find the
most profitable markets are of prime
necessity, but the greater the ten
dency to pass by home markets in
seeking distant outlets, the greater
the difference between what the pro-
Queer receives and what the consumer
pays.
So much remains to be done in the
improvement of marketing systems.
In many directions it may be truth
fully said that increase in production
waits on better distribution.
David Houston, secretary of agricul
ture, in an address at Manchester, N
H., last November, outlined the inves
LEGATIONS being conducted by his de-
partment with the view of improving
conditions in the marketing of farm
products. These Investigations are
covering marketing systems and
prices, costs of distribution, transpor
tation and storage problems, city mar
keting and distributing Investigations
the study and PRONUNCIATION of market
grades and standards, and cooperative
production and marketing investiga
tons.
The department has established
standard cotton grades and has prac
grades. 1t has given much attention
to cold storage problems and to thu
packing and handling of perishabl'
: fruits. 1t is convinced of the existing
| chaos and of the consequent wastes
} The producer of any product is en-
titled to receive an exact price for tn
? specific product which he offers, an,
) the consumer is entitled to receiv
just the commodity he thinks he
paying for.
The Farm Credit Problem.
There is a general impression tina
: the opportunities to borrow money t
purchase or develop farm lands or t
+ finance farming operations are not a
s unrestricted and favorable to tn
+ farmer as they should be in this couI
}, try to secure the fullest and best az
: ricultural development.
1t is agreed that either long O
short time credit should be mad
: available to the farmer on fair term
; for buying, improving, equipping Q
> operating his land. It is also prett
well agreed that any system unde
: private control, operated as a specis
, privilege, would prove detrimental
: agricultural interests.
a Those who have been making
study of the various European syI
TENS of farm credits, seem to be {
the opinion that the Irish plan woul
be the most acceptable to American
Under this system the farmers estal
fish and operate their own rural cred
!, associations, which combine a con
If prehensive system of cooperative Ian
n mortgage and short time persons
d loans.