The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1922-10-25
MARKETING FARM PRODUCTS
(k. c. Moore, County Agent)

There are two melon growers asso-
cations in Georgia. In 1921 the
members of the Southwest Georgia
Association received just about double
for their melons what the nOn-mem-
bers did. This was almost repeated
very disastrous to all melon growers
in Georgia on account of weather con-
ditions.
The average yield was only one car
to fifteen acres, and they were of
rather poor quality. However, the
writer has several letters from friends
in South Georgia and every one Of
them states that the association men,
bers came out much better than nom
members. In one section where no
association was organized they ship
led one hundred and ten car loads.
On ninety cars they got nothing;
on the others they received between
$50 and $40 a car. The association
members averaged 500 car.
Mr.. L. S. Light, of Reddick, has
just called attention to the following
facts taken from the United States
Crops and Market Reports. Last sea-
son Texas tomato growers shipped
about 5000 car loads of tomatoes,
Mississippi tomato growers shipped
1900 car loads. These shipments
were mostly made in June-our sea-
son. The Texas growers numbering
about $500 farmers are being organ
| lied to market next seasons crop. The
Mississippi tomato growers have or
ganized and will market their products
through the newly organized Feder-
ated Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Inc, which is the official sales agency
of the American Farm Bureau Feder-
alton.
when Texas and Mississippi toma-
to growers with about 5000 cars
guaranteed as to quality and pack
ana distributed by this organization
with statesmen in one hundred eastern
markets come into competition with
any part of Marion county tomatoes,
unorganized, unstandardized what are
our prospects
"We simply CAPT compete under the
present system"
There has been a small tomato Or
ganization in the section of Jackcon-
vile, Texas for several years. And it
did remarkable things for the grow
ers. But a new tomato section is be-
ing organized and promoted.
A number of growers have said that
my estimate of 100000 loss to toma-
to growers during the past season
was too low. This loss effects the
merchants, professional men and
bankers of our towns as well as our
J farmers. This money goes out Of our
county. / would like to see Marion
county 100000 more wealthy every
/ year from tomatoes and two or three
} hundred thousand dollars more veal
: thy from melons and other truck pro-
r ducts It can be done; but not by the
] loafers, knockers and stick whittlers
j who get together to see how many
5 flaws they can find in. any proposed
: plan. If there is way it should be
n found The plans that are successful
: elsewhere viii also work here. This
is a matter of enough importance tc
r enlist the sincere efforts and HARD
d work of our best business brains.
= There is soon to be held In Ocali
e meeting that will be addressed b!
Mr.. J. s. Edwards of California
Fruit Exchange; Mr.. j. E. burst, o
d illinois Agricultural Society and MI
= 4. r. Rule manager of Federate'
: Fruit and Vegetable Growers. Thes
ID raen are scheduled for three meeting
le in the South East, Mobile, Ala, Val
IS dosta, Ga. and Ocala. There win b
IS fruit and truck growers from all owe
Florida to attend this meeting.