The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-12-28

prepared by the United States Depart
ment of Agriculture.)
On sections where live stock produc-
ton is incidental to other systems of
farming and more especially in dairy
districts where most farmers have only
a small number of animals to sell at
one time, there is considerable
amount of stock in excess of local de-
mands which must be marketed in less
than carload lots. In some localities
farmers live stock shipping associa-
lions, one of the newer forms of or
ganized cooperation have proven Of
great benefit to stock raisers and
dairymen. The plan of several live
stock raisers combining to market
carload of stock has been more or less
common for many years, but it is only
within the past eight years that asso-
Citations have been formed for this pur-
pose. At present there are approx
mately 500 organizations in the various
states that are shipping stock in the
cooperative plan. About 200 of these
are in Minnesota, where the first one
was organized, and the remainder are
divided among the following states in
numerical order: Wisconsin, Nebras-
ka, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Kansas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and
Ohio.
Advantages of Shipping Associations.
Several advantages are derived by
farmers from cooperation in market
ing their stock. Foremost among them
is the greater net return to the farmer.
He receives the actual market price
for his stock, less the cost of market
ing. Returns from thin stock, calves
and lambs shipped in this way often
are surprising, as it Is on these classes
of stock that the local buyers ordi-
narily make their largest profits, 100
per cent being not uncommon.
The economy in time and labor spent
in collecting and delivering stock for
shipment is an important feature of
the shipping associations. Usually
there are several buyers operating in
community, driving about from farm
to farm dickering with the farmers for
their stock. Wherever the farmers
have organized shipping associations
the business of local buyers has been
reduced and in some cases entirely dis
placed. One. association manager often
is enabled to ship the stock from the
same territory formerly covered by
several local shippers. 1t is reported
from one county in Minnesota in which
shipping associations have been organ
lied that seven association managers
now are shipping the stock previously
purchased by "a local stock buyers. A
similar condition exists in numerous
other localities.
Through these associations the farm
er usually can market his stock when |
1t is ready and does not have to wait |
until local shipper is ready to buy it.
Further, he is reimbursed for animals |
killed or injured in transit, whether
he consigns one head or a carload of |
stock. This is made possible by the |
fund set aside for that purpose. An
other advantage of Importance is the
consideration received at the central !
market, due to the volume of business
handled through the association.
How to Organize.
The simple form of organization that |
Euffices for such associations is one
of their leading features. In the first
place, practically no capital is re-
quired, since payment is not made to
members for stock shipped until the
returns are received from the market
To organize it is necessary only that
the farmers of a community meet to-
gether, adopt a simple constitution and
bylaws and elect officers and a board
Of directors, who in turn appoint a
manager.
Although in order to transact bust
ness 1t is not necessary for an associa-
hon of this nature to incorporate I'M
der the state laws, it is advisable to
10 so as protection to the members.
4 not incorporated the organizations,
IS such, cannot sue or be sued, and in
'ase of the loss of stock from railroad
wrecks or other cause the manager
'ould not enforce claims for the asso-
,iation, brt each shipper would be
compelled 20 present claims for his
'wn losses. The cost of incorporating
s comparatively small-usually not
more than $40.
Officers and Management.
Wherever agreeable to members 1t
5 considered advisable that the Of
ice of secretary and treasurer be held
y banker or other business man in
ne town in which the organization
perates instead of by a farmer locat-
d several miles out of town. Bank
rs usually are somewhat familiar with
he livestock business and are con-
eniently situated and equipped TO per-
orm the duties of the office.
Some associations recommend that
clause be included in the bylaws to
'rovide for the assessment of damages