Report on the Agricultural Experiment Stations, 1952 Page: 110
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110 REPORT ON EXPERIMENT STATIONS, 1952
price quotations are usually historic; often do not correspond to prices
that dealers are paying or are willing to pay; and are not comparable
among various communities because of the diversity of grades used.
The South Dakota findings suggest that the operation of an improved
market news service, undertaken by an independent agency, might
increase returns to farmers for their eggs, chickens, or turkeys.
South Dakota turkey producers have complained about inadequate
local price information which may be a deterrent to increasing production.
In an attempt to appraise the advantages of an improved
market news service, a weekly Turkey Market Report was issued
during the fall of 1951 under this study. This was followed with a
questionnaire mailed to turkey growers. The overwhelming majority
of the growers responding expressed satisfaction with the reports.
The experiences gained could be applied in setting up a market news
service for the poultry and egg industry as a whole.
Shipping and Export Tests for Avocados
Research on marketing of avocados at the Puerto Rico station
showed that storage at 40 to 50 F. retarded softening and provided
sufficient time for shipping and retailing in the eastern United
States markets. Waxing did not extend the storage period but reduced
moisture loss in some instances and prevented shriveling after long
storage. Waxed fruit had better eye appeal than the nonwaxed fruit.
No harmful effects of waxing were noted. Oil content increased progressively
in relation to the date of harvest. Correlation studies revealed
that for the Galo and Nabal varieties 91 percent of the observed
total variation in oil content could be attributed to date of harvest,
and for the Kanan variety 84 percent. Length of optimum storage
period and eating quality can be forecast with precision by means of
oil content.
Marketing Texas Livestock
In 1951, the Texas station (coop. USDA) applied time-and-motion
techniques to a sample of Texas auctions to determine the best way of
performing the basic functions involved in auction selling of livestock.
The functions of unloading, tagging, penning, bringing animals
up to the ring, selling, repenning, and loading out can be done in several
ways. Some methods were definitely superior from the standpoint
of speed and use of manpower. A model livestock auction was prepared.
It incorporated the best features of all the auctions studied
and could be operated with an estimated two-thirds of the labor commonly
used by auctions of similar size. Also, many of the delays
now common in auction operations could be eliminated. Potential
savings of $100 per sales day could be attained by adopting all of the
labor-saving features, the Texas station claims. Persons developing
new auctions or remodeling existing ones can incorporate selected
features of the Texas model.
As auctions have become more efficient and costs of operation have
decreased, commissions charged for selling have likewise decreased.
This has been brought about by competition for business among auctions.
Further rate decreases should come about through the adoption
of the features incorporated in the model auction. An additional ad
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United States. Office of Experiment Stations. Report on the Agricultural Experiment Stations, 1952, book, January 1953; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5990/m1/112/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.