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EIGHTH
BIENNIAL REPORT
OF
Florida State Marketing
Bureau
THE BUREAU STAFF
L. M. Rhodes ........-------..----------------..--- ----....- --.........--... Commissioner
Neill Rhodes ...................-----------------........-----..... Assistant Commissioner
S. W. Hiatt ..........--------.....----.-. -- Specialist, Fruits and Vegetables
L. H. Lewis.........----------...... Specialist, Live Stock and Field Crops
F. W. Risher.....---------.... Specialist, Poultry and Dairy Products
F. H. Scruggs --..--.............-- -------------........ Specialist, Market News
Floyd M. Houser ..------------ --------------- ---....... ........- Telegrapher
Effie L. Cureton----- ....---------------.-------........------ Stenographer
Edna Rosenkranz .....---------- ------.....................------..... Stenographer
Kathryn L. Vernon ..--------------------------------------.... Stenographer
Sara Wright ---- ------------------ Stenographer
W. L. Jackson .....----- --.-- ---- ------..... ....--... Multigrapher
M. S. Knight ..-......------. --...---------------------------------- ----. Clerk
0. C. Edrington ..-........-----..........----...---..-----....... Assistant Multigrapher
Robert Bennett............................ ..... ----- Assistant Multigrapher
STATE OF FLORIDA
BUREAU OF MARKETS
204 St. James Bldg., Jacksonville, Florida
To His Excellency Dave Sholtz,
Governor of Florida, and Chairman of the
Agricultural Marketing Board,
Tallahassee, Fla.
Sir:
We have the honor as Commissioner of Agriculture and
Marketing Commissioner to submit herewith the Eighth
Biennial Report of the Florida State Marketing Bureau, for
the Biennium, July 1, 1931, to July 1, 1933.
Very respectfully yours
NATHAN MAYO
Commissioner of Agriculture
L. M. RHODES
Marketing Commissioner
and
Sec'y of the Agricultural Marketing Board.
Jacksonville, Fla.
March 1, 1933.
EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
OF
Florida State Marketing Bureau
The Eighth Biennial Report of L. M. Rhodes, Commissioner
Florida State Marketing Bureau, a Division of the
Florida Department of Agriculture, respectfully
submitted by
Nathan Mayo, Commissioner Florida Department
of Agriculture
and
L. M. Rhodes, Commissioner Florida State
Marketing Bureau
The Florida State Marketing Bureau was created by the
Legislature of 1917. Biennial reports of the department's
services and accomplishments have since been submitted
under four different administrations and placed before
seven different Legislatures. After the usefulness of the
State Marketing Bureau had been demonstrated for some
twelve years, the Legislature of 1929 created an Agricul-
tural Marketing Board composed of the Governor, the Com-
missioner of Agriculture and the Marketing Commissioner
and supplemented the appropriation of the Bureau for the
purpose of extending and expanding the activities of the
department.
Probably no State Institution has had better opportuni-
ties to prove its merits. Beginning and laying out the work
of the State Marketing Bureau was pioneering,-and form-
ing an efficient, conservative organization that could func-
tion for the Florida farming and agricultural growers and
shippers without discrimination against distributors, trans-
portation companies or the trade in general required com-
petent and diplomatic administration.
Economical Operation
The Florida State Marketing Bureau has served the agri-
cultural interests of the State from 1917 to 1933 during
which time Florida has participated in a world wide war,
experienced a boom with its aftermath, the disastrous hurri-
cane and several floods or freezes that seriously affected
certain sections of the State, the invasion of the Mediter-
4 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
ranean Fruit Fly with distribution of Florida host products
seriously limited as a result, and finally one of the world's
greatest depressions. In short, the Bureau has served
through times of peace and times of war, times of plenty
and times of want, emergency times and all kinds of times,
yet regardless of calm or turbulent waters, the Bureau ship
has made port. Naturally every citizen now more than ever
is interested in every public servant and in every Govern-
ment Department providing the most efficient service at the
least possible cost. Economy now ranks in popularity as
a topic for discussion by the press and by the layman with
the sinking of the Titanic, the World War, and the Depres-
sion. Therefore, in this report instead of either omitting
entirely or mildly mentioning as a forgotten subject, the
order will be reversed and preference given to a discussion
of finances as appropriated for and expended by the Bureau.
The first biennium of the Bureau appropriated for 1917-19
provided $15,000 annually; 1919-21, $15,000 annually; 1921-
23, $25,000 annually; 1923-25, $25,860 annually; 1925-27,
$31,375 annually; 1927-29, $33,595 annually; 1929-31, $72-
560 annually; 1931-33, $69,740 annually. Thus, the appro-
priations were increased by every Legislature after the
Bureau was created until 1931 when the appropriation was
reduced in conformity with all appropriations.
Perhaps the following editorial which appeared in the
August 15, 1931, semi-monthly For Sale, Want and Exchange
Bulletin, distributed regularly to some 22,000 Florida grow-
ers and shippers, would better imply the spirit with which
the Florida State Marketing Bureau accepted the reduction
in 1931:
Maximum Service at Minimum Cost
"The Florida State Marketing Bureau is beginning its sixteenth
year of service. A record has been made, of which judging by the
hundreds of commendatory communications received and reports made
to the Commissioner, we believe the agricultural interests of Florida
are appreciative. This department is very grateful for the support
and co-operation given by the growers and shippers of Florida.
"The Legislature, in the interest of economy, reduced the ap-
propriation of practically all State departments including that of this
Bureau. In conformity with the spirit and intent of the Legislature,
this department is retrenching, and in order that at least the major
features of the service of the Bureau to the farming and shipping
industry of the State may suffer as little as possible, we are making
both some elimination in the Bureau force and salary reductions.
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 5
"It is frequently remarked that it is almost incredible that so
much growth and progress have been made and so much service ren-
dered in view of the limited funds with which the department has
functioned. The Florida State Marketing Bureau has always striven
to give the State value received, to expend funds entrusted to its
discretion beneficially, yet conservatively and economically.
"This department appreciates the conscientious effort of the
Legislature to reduce State expenses, and we pledge in beginning the
1931-33 biennium, to adhere loyally to the economical program, to
receive the reduction made in our funds with a smile, and to continue
rendering the best possible service at the least possible cost."
While making promises is a much easier task than carrying them
out and while even conservative estimates cannot always be met, the
following comment appeared in a later June 1, 1932, issue of the For
Sale, Want and Exchange Bulletin:
"Referring further to economical operation, the expenditure of
the State Marketing Bureau funds through April was $51,288.80,
leaving for the remaining two months $19,510.68, leaving an average
of $9,225.60 per month, while we have averaged only $5,128.88 for the
past ten months. Thus, the department will doubtless, by continuing
the rigid economy of the past ten months, come well within its ap-
propriation even though it was reduced drastically by the last Legis-
lature. It is with the pride that honest hard work and conscientious
management inspires1 that we now refer to last year's assurance that
we would economize to the letter . ."
In the August 1, 1932, issue of the Bulletin, the depart-
ment made this announcement:
"The Florida State Marketing Bureau turned back to the State
of Florida, July 1st, 1932, $5,531.58,-an economy promised that was
practiced."
What Has The State Marketing Bureau Accomplished-Is
It Now More Necessary Than Ever?
In periods of booms, or inflated land values, many farms
and groves are converted into subdivisions and many en-
gaged in agricultural endeavor are attracted to the city.
There is in such prosperous times less interest in agricul-
ture. To those engaged in farming enterprises, demand is
greater and prices higher so that relatively speaking less
Federal or State marketing aid is required in years of un-
usual prosperity. In a period of depression, as unemploy-
ment increases and conditions become worse, there is a re-
turn to the suburb and to the farm. This increase in farm
occupation and population, in a time of depression, naturally
adds to the farmer's competition, for he must sell his prod-
EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
ucts at much lower prices in face of an increased production
with a reduced consumer purchasing power. If in good
times the shipper makes a fair profit without serious regard
to product, grade, dealer or market, and yet in hard times
can hardly make a profit after carefully cultivating, packing
and marketing his product, it is not difficult to determine
whether he needs a Marketing Bureau to serve him more
than ever in times of depression. The farmer must now prac-
tice every economy and use every means of help in buying
his requirements as cheaply as possible and in selling his
shipments as profitably as possible.
Yet just as now there is greater need for this depart-
ment than ever, the fact that not only Florida but practically
every other State of agricultural importance has Marketing
Bureaus or Marketing Divisions in the Departments of Agri-
culture shows clearly the necessity and importance of this
State aid to the farmer and shipper, in the profitable mar-
keting of the State's farm products. Some of the major
accomplishments may be emphasized by mentioning im-
provements that have been made, in contrast to conditions
prevailing before the Bureau was established, and by listing
some advantages that have resulted since the Florida State
Marketing Bureau was created in 1917.
In Jan. 1917, Florida had:
No State Marketing Department
or Division.
No official grades and standards.
No State or Federal Market
News Field Stations located with-
in Florida.
No agency available providing
free of charge information to
farmers and shippers as to reli-
In Jan. 1933, Florida has:
A State Marketing Bureau that is
generally recognized as second to
none in the United States.
Official Florida grades for fruits
and vegetables.
Special stations issuing compre-
hensive daily market reports in
season as follows: Winter Hav-
en, citrus fruits; Sanford, celery;
Belle Glade and Pompano, beans,
peppers, tomatoes; Plant City,
strawberries a n d vegetables;
Bradenton, tomatoes, celery and
vegetables; Hastings, potatoes;
Leesburg, watermelons.
An agency that supplies lists of
reliable dealers and buyers lo-
cated in the various markets that
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 7
ability and responsibility of pro-
duce dealers.
No agency available giving reg-
ular annual reports of Florida
carlot shipments of fruits and
vegetables.
No agency providing general
packing and shipping informa-
tion, and complete market data
on all products.
No official Jacksonville, Miami
or Tampa quotations for miscel-
laneous fruits and vegetables,
and poultry and eggs available.
specialize in the different Florida
products.
Regular authentic annual reports
of the State Marketing Bureau
showing carlot shipments of fruits
and vegetables from Florida as a
whole and segregated to show
this movement by counties and by
months.
A State Department that special.
izes in this type of service.
Official daily market reports of
fruits and vegetables, and poul-
try and eggs on the Jacksonville
market. A similar report cover-
ing the Tampa market. A semi-
weekly livestock report covering
all the important southeastern
livestock markets and Chicago.
Daily and semi-weekly poultry
and egg quotations covering
Tampa, Jacksonville, New York,
Chicago and other important mar-
kets. A daily miscellaneous vege-
table market report for eight
months in the year covering the
principal commercial vegetables
that are shipped from Florida and
sold on the larger markets, the
data showing shipments, passing,
arrivals, cars on track, market
tendency, prevailing quotations,
etc.,-all supplied either by the
Florida State Marketing Bureau
individually or by the Bureau co-
operating with the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture.
No agency available providing
the farmers and growers with
regular reports as to where seeds
and plants, farming imple-
A For Sale, Want and Exchange
Bulletin which is distributed on
the first and fifteenth of each
month to more than 22,000 Flor-
8 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
ments and machinery, and other
items might be purchased from
reliable sources, or prices at
which these articles might be
sold, or the prevailing market
that the farmer might expect
to receive for his products.
No agency available providing
official shipping point inspection
service.
No terminal market inspection
service available for any of the
larger markets of Florida.
No official agency available ad-
vising or aiding the grower and
shipper in the handling and col-
lection of various commercial
claims.
ida growers and shippers, which
provides such service in detail in
comprehensive form.
Federal-State Shipping Point In-
spection service available, ar-
rangements for which were made
and this service provided by the
Florida State Marketing Bureau
co-operating with the Bureau of
Agricultural Economics.
Food Products Inspection Service
for the Jacksonville market and
in fact for any other Florida
market.
Aid in advising Florida growers
and shippers in filing their claims
with the Federal Department, and
aid in the handling and collection
of various claims offered by those
engaged in different agricultural
pursuits in Florida through the
State Marketing Bureau.
Eggs were eggs,-there was no Eggs sold on the basis of quality
grading o r standardization and in most of the principal pro-
practice in effect in Florida. during sections, eggs sold accord-
ing to grades and standards sug-
gested by the Bureau.
No marketing booklets or hand- In addition to regular annual re-
books by any Florida Depart- ports, special books, bulletins and
ment were available that would charts as Graphic Charts of Comn-
give the newcomer as well as the modity Prices, Official Grade
established Florida farmer and Booklets, Handbook for Florida
shipper complete and reliable Growers and Shippers, From Field
market information from field to to Market with Florida Vegeta-
market. bles and Citrus Fruits, Marketing
Florida Truck Crops, Handbook
for Florida Poultrymen, Handbook
for Florida Dairymen, Handbook
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 9
for Florida Livestockmen, Miscel-
laneous Statistics.
No agency in the State providing
the farmer and grower free of
charge the complete market in-
formation of the many Florida
products.
For the Florida small shipper
practically no protection was
available from illegitimate deal-
ers, or information as to mar-
ket conditions, or reputable buy-
ers, nor did he have access to in-
formation from disinterested
agencies as to whom he could
ship or how to handle the vari-
ous marketing factors. Neither
did the larger individual Florida
shippers have any agency that
could also serve them and the
grower alike efficiently and fair-
ly without jeopardizing the in-
terests of the grower or dealer.
No State field men employed to
aid the fruit and vegetable grow-
ers and shippers in marketing
their various crops.
No agency in existence that pro-
vided State or Federal marketing
A marketing division under the
jurisdiction of both the Commis-
sioner of Agriculture and the
Governor of the State of Florida
that really provides prompt and
efficient, and general marketing
service.
Carefully and specially prepared
lists of dealers and buyers of dif-
ferent individual fruits, vegeta-
bles, livestock, poultry, eggs, fish,
honey, medicinal roots and herbs,
ferns, bulbs and flowers, and many
other products, located in theprin-
cipal northern, eastern and south-
ern markets, as well as supple-
mentary lists in the smaller cities
and markets available to the in-
dividual; yet aid also to the larger
individual or distributing agen-
cies, supplying lists of reputable
buyers and dealers, crop condi-
tions in local, competitive, domes-
tic and foreign sections, and spe-
cial mail reports for use in rate
cases or hearings before the Tar-
iff Commission, and in any other
way,-all furnished by the Flor-
ida State Marketing Bureau.
A marketing specialist in fruits
and vegetables on the staff of the
Florida State Marketing Bureau
who is in the field practically all
of the time, helping the growers
and shippers in packing, use of
standard containers, grading,
shipping, and supplying market-
ing information and service in
general.
One of the outstanding live-
stock and field crop specialists in
0 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
specialists to livestock shippers
and operators.
the United States, on the staff of
the Florida State Marketing Bu-
reau, who is in the field practic-
ally all of the time, aiding grow-
ers in selling their offerings at
the highest prices, in shipping
and loading, and in providing an
efficient general marketing serv-
ice to the livestock producers and
field crop growers in Florida.
No agency in existence providing
official marketing specialist help
to poultry and egg shippers.
No market specialist was provid-
ed by any source specializing in
giving Florida shippers complete
daily market news information.
No Co-operative Marketing Act
in force.
No Florida Citrus Growers
Clearing House Association in
existence.
Through the State Marketing Bu-
reau, a marketing specialist in
poultry and eggs that has not only
been very instrumental in the en-
couragement of grade and pack
of Florida eggs but in arranging
schedules of truck and carlot load-
ings of poultry at which the farm-
er receives cash for his offerings,
and has otherwise aided the poul-
trymen in better marketing of
their products. The Florida State
Marketing Bureau positively in-
augurated and handled the first
carlot poultry schedule in the
State of Florida.
A Market News specialist in the
employment of the Florida State
Marketing Bureau that is in
charge of the Jacksonville miscel-
laneous daily vegetable reports
that are sent to some 2,000 ship-
pers daily, in practically every
shipping section of Florida.
A co-operative marketing law en-
abling such growers or groups of
growers that may wish to do so,
to organize in accordance with
the State Law, which Act was
passed in 1923.
A Clearing House Association, in
the forming of which the Com-
missioner of the Florida State
STATE MARKETING BUREAU
Marketing Bureau gave all as-
sistance possible, and also in the
drafting of the plans and arrang-
ing the hearings before the Sec-
retary of Agriculture in Washing-
ton, and in otherwise rendering
aid in setting up the Association.
And finally no general, efficient, A State Marketing Bureau that
disinterested organization in po- has been giving the highest type
sition to help the Florida truck of service since it was created in
growers, fruit shippers, livestock- 1917.
men, poultrymen, and producers
of any other agricultural prod-
ucts in their many and varied
marketing problems was in ex-
istence.
Should a State Department Handle Products?
One conclusion that will arise following a scanning of
the above comparison is that the Florida State Marketing
Bureau, touching as it does in some way practically every
product of importance that is shipped from Florida in com-
mercial volume, and giving as it does such a complete gen-
eral marketing service, does not actually handle in its own
name the direct marketing of these products. As before
cited, when the Florida State Marketing Bureau was estab-
lished, there were comparatively few like departments in
existence. Not having precedents, the Florida Department
had to pioneer its way and in the beginning products were
handled directly. The demand for Bureau help increased so
rapidly and so extensively that we had our office practically
filled with express shipments of various kinds and received
many cars of watermelons, potatoes, citrus fruits and other
commodities.
After actually selling and handling various products by
the State Marketing Bureau, it was decided that a more
efficient and generally more extensive service could be pro-
vided by the Bureau through encouragement of grades,
packs and shipping practices in general; through acting in
an advisory capacity to the grower and shipper, providing
him with all the marketing information that he might need,
and in fact supplying him with all the necessary data suf-
ficiently that he could close his own transaction, knowing
fully how much competition he had in the products he was
12 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
offering, what the markets to which he intended to consign
or sell were receiving, what the prevailing prices were at
shipping point and at destination, what the prevailing mar-
ket conditions were in all the various markets, whether the
dealer with whom the transaction was to be consummated
was reliable;-than to become a state-wide marketing or-
ganization supported by appropriation in competition with
every other individual or agency in business in the State of
Florida. The wisdom of that decision has been well demon-
strated.
Other State Departments that have handled products
directly, omitting the names of the specific departments for
obvious reasons, have had considerable grief; have found
themselves obligating the State which they had no right to
do. Transportation deficits, in some instances where prod-
ucts did not bring charges resulted in litigation by either
the railroads, the trade or citizens and taxpayers of their
own State. Occasionally a State Department handling sales
direct has entered into certain contracts which for several
reasons did not satisfactorily materialize, and such State
Marketing has usually resulted in the concentrated opposi-
tion of practically every individual and co-operative agency
already in existence in the State. The Florida State Mar-
keting Bureau determined upon a program of help for rather
than antagonism against these various interests.
Should a State Department, as we see it, handle directly
potatoes, for instance, for one particular individual or one
specific organization, every other individual shipper and
every other individual marketing organization, regardless of
the commodity in which they specialized, would have just as
much right to demand the service. To assume that the
State of Florida could absorb by direct purchase, lease or
otherwise, the packing house equipment alone in the State
preparatory to direct handling of the products is only one
of many reasons supporting the BUreau's refusal to become
a direct State manipulated marketing organization. The
fact that the Bureau has so generally expanded and that it
now has so many demands for service that it is practically
impossible to meet them all, emphasizes the fact that the
Bureau field is already large enough without taking on the
direct selling of Florida products.
Services of the State Marketing Bureau
In order that not only a more thorough appraisal but a
STATE MARKETING BUREAU
better picture of the services and activities of this depart-
ment may be made, the following facts are given to show
briefly the activities of the State Marketing Bureau during
its entire existence and including the three and one-half
years since the Bureau was enlarged and expanded by the
1929 Legislature:
During the fifteen and one-half years since the State
Marketing Bureau was established, the records indicate that
there have been produced in Florida, agricultural products
with a total approximate value of $1,800,000,000. A careful
survey of the records of the Bureau indicate that in the
preparation, distribution, sale or exchange of the agricul-
tural produce of Florida during these fifteen and a half
years the Bureau has touched in some beneficial way, agri-
cultural products, etc., valued at more than $1,000,000,000.
The Bureau has also assisted in the purchase, sale or ex-
change of farm implements, farm supplies and farm prod-
ucts through the For Sale, Want & Exchange Bulletin. The
total value of which products amounted to not less than $52,-
000,000.
Market News has been furnished since 1921, covering
98 % of the productive area of the State from nine different
stations. Approximately 1,000,000 words per month are
sent out giving marketing information on the Florida farm
produce valued at from $70,000,000 to $100,000,000 an-
nually.
Claims and bad accounts have been collected or adjusted
to the amount of more than $350,000.
The Bureau began Federal-State shipping point inspec-
tion for grade and condition during the season of 1922-23,
and since then has assisted in the inspection of 74,478 cars
of fruits and vegetables.
Since the 1929 Legislature enlarged the activities of the
Bureau, between August 1st, 1929, and January 1st, 1933,
the field workers, consisting of three marketing specialists
and the Commissioner, have taken part in 1,182 farmers'
and shippers' meetings which had an attendance of 108,288
people; visited 4,360 marketing conferences, attended by
23,759 growers and shippers; delivered 974 radio talks; as-
sisted in 1,070 co-operative sales at which 1,535 cars of live
stock, poultry, eggs, wool, syrup, hay, corn, etc., were sold
for which cash was paid amounting to $1,721,363.
In addition to these co-operative sales, these field men
14 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
have assisted in selling from the office 2,987 cars of live
stock for slaughter and breeding purposes, poultry, eggs,
wool, syrup, corn, grapes, satsumas, peanuts, etc., which
brought growers and shippers $2,244,413; and in less than
carlots, dairy products, poultry and eggs, fish, seafoods,
wool, syrup, hay, corn, pecans, and other miscellaneous prod-
ucts valued at $1,218,820; making a grand total of
$5,184,596.
The Assistant Commissioner, Market News Specialist
and office force have given special marketing advice and
assistance on the preparation, distribution and sale of 25,338
cars of fruit, valued at $16,460,423; and in less than carlot
shipments produce valued at $6,400,250. Furnished market
messages which were distributed by nine different stations,
and sent out by wire, phone, mail and radio, amounting to
37,582,736 words which were equivalent to 3,758,273 ten-
word messages. This market news service has been avail-
able to every producer and shipper in the State.
This complete current daily market information is pro-
vided through the co-operation of the U. S. Department of
Agriculture, and paid for jointly by the Florida State Mar-
keting Bureau and the U. S. Bureau of Agricultural Eco-
nomics, and has been available during these three and a
half years on the sale of approximately $350,000,000 worth
of crops and live stock products.
We have advertised through the "For Sale, Want and
Exchange Bulletin" farm implements and agricultural prod-
ucts valued at $13,444,263 during these three and a half
years, and $9,794,647 worth of this amount has been sold or
exchanged.
We have assisted in giving Federal-State shipping point
inspection on approximately 38,000 cars of fruits and vege-
tables and collected claims amounting to $64,955.
As Others See Us
The ranking agricultural States that have not encount-
ered destruction of crops by hurricane, or freeze, or an in-
vasion of the Mediterranean fruit fly, have not survived the
depression as well as Florida. First of all, the persistence
and fortitude of the Florida agriculturist deserves the high-
est credit and commendation for this splendid showing, and
it is in full recognition of the Florida farmer that the com-
paratively favorable status of Florida agriculture is men-
tioned. According to the Fifteenth Census of the United
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 15
States there were 54,005 farms in Florida January 1,
1920; April 1, 1930, there were 58,966 farms. The value of
specified farm property January 1, 1920, increased from
$281,449,404 to $423,346,262 April 1, 1930. It is a well
known fact that the client with the best legal counsel best
protects his interests,-similarly Florida agriculture has ap-
parently not been ill-advised.
But in the final analysis not war, not hurricane, not
freeze and not depression,-while perhaps tempering an ag-
ricultural marketing division,-can test it like the actual
reaction of the dirt farmer. No better proof possibly of the
usefulness of a department can be cited than the commit-
ments from the grower and shipper direct, and the following
few letters from hundreds received are quoted for as "they
write us, so are we!"
Miami, Fla: "Since receipt of my copy of graphic charts of
Commodity Prices, many growers are using same for their guidance
in planting crops for shipment from this county. Only yesterday the
superintendent of one of our largest truck farms in mapping out a
planting schedule got this graphic chart and showed me wherein he
was arranging the planting of his different crops for shipment in
accordance with this chart."
Madison, Fla.: "I received check from-yesterday. I feel that
your service gives great value to the public, more so than most expen-
ditures of public funds. I could not have brought about results in
this case by myself."
Orlando, Fla.: "I have your bulletin 'From Field to Market' and
have not found anything to compare with it-The more we growers
can get of that kind of work the better Florida's agricultural pros-
perity will be. I for one congratulate the State on having men so far-
sighted and efficient and enterprising as your staff."
Starke, Fla.: "I have received check from-for $28.50. I more
than thank you for your help in this matter. Without your help at
that end of the deal, he would not have taken them. You are a great
help and are doing a great work for the farmer."
Stuart, Fla.: "Yours of the 8th enclosing-check for $25 to
settle claim on car bulk grapefruit. Kindly accept my thanks for
your efforts and attention in this matter. It certainly is far superior
to aid and co-operation extended by the Federal Bureau."
Miami, Fla.: "At the present time our company ranks second as
the heaviest operators and shippers of tomatoes from the Lower East
Coast. We have gone over the information contained in 'Field to
Market' and will say that it is the most complete information we
have seen in regard to this line of business, as it covers in detail
16 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
everything pertaining to the different fruits and vegetables men-
tioned."
Lake City, Fla.: "We have held fourteen poultry sales in this
county during the past year. At these sales about 12,000 pounds of
fryers and hens have been sold bringing the farmer about three cents
per pound above local market. Numbers of these sales were held
when there was no outlet at all locally. Many thanks to you and
your department for making these sales the success they are."
Altamonte Springs, Fla.: "Through an ad in the bulletin I dis-
posed of every one of a surplus of gladiolus bulbs. This is certainly
a practical, sound and sensible way to help the farmer-help him to
help himself. Better than farm boards."
Pine Castle, Fla.: "It is my opinion that this bulletin is the
finest piece of assistance this State or any other has given its citizens.
Of all departments of State activities I believe that the State Market-
ing Department renders the most real good to the people."
Fairfield, Fla.: "I think the market report you have been broad-
casting is the best money the State has ever spent. The farmer re-
ceives more benefit from it than anything else. Me for instance, have
just got through with a big crop of lettuce and cabbage and the daily
report has saved me a lot of money and has kept me posted about
the movement and sales, etc., and where to place my produce."
Fort Myers, Fla.: "We wish to take this opportunity to express
our appreciation to your Bureau for the co-operation we have had from
you this season, especially information about the markets. There is
no doubt that your office is doing great work for the farmers of the
State."
Homestead, Fla.: "We consider this daily market news service
one of the finest things ever undertaken on behalf of the shippers
of Florida. It has been a valuable aid to us in the marketing of our
produce."
Bonifay, Fla.: "I wish to take this opportunity to express to
your department my appreciation and in behalf of our farmers their
appreciation for the service extended the past season by your depart-
ment in the conduct of our co-operative hog sales at Bonifay. This
past season with your aid we invariably obtained the top market price
for our hogs."
Trenton, Fla.: "Not a single criticism have I heard from any
member of the Association but on the other hand they are 100% in
their praises for the aid rendered by the State Marketing Bureau.
Your grading and classification of the hogs was satisfactory to not
only the farmer but also to the buyers throughout the entire season."
Fellsmere, Fla.: "I desire to say just a word in regard to the
functioning of your Bureau-Florida is indeed fortunate to have such
an institution which is so well organized and efficient. It has been
my pleasure to correspond with your Bureau at different times and
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 17
always the information requested was forwarded promptly and in
a most carefully detailed manner."
Mount Dora, Fla.: "I have read your editorial remarks in the
Bulletin of August 15th. I want to congratulate you upon same. The
spirit shown is most commendable and I may as well say unusual.
If all officeholders under the State took that same view of matters
it would be worth millions to the State. That is the spirit of deep
and real patriotism. Patriotism does not so much consist in yelling
when the flag goes by and shooting hot air as it does in doing things."
Citra, Fla.: "Please send me the reports until July 1st. I would
feel like a blind man did I not get these reports. I would have to
wire the different markets to know where to place my shipments and
this would not be dependable like the government reports."
Pinecastle, Fla.: "I am amazed and delighted with your infor-
mation given in this month's Bulletin as to what you are doing for
the farmer and trucker and fruit grower of Florida. That looks like
real farm relief. You are also helping us bulletin advertisers sell in
smaller ways and we heartily thank you for your great work. We
surely appreciate your great work."
Orlando, Fla.: "Thank you for the copy of the special bulletin
compiled by Neill Rhodes. This is certainly one of the most complete
and practical publications of the kind I have ever seen. You are
doing a wonderful job for us in Florida and we all appreciate it."
Mount Dora, Fla.: "The 200 hives of bees the writer advertised
in your last bulletin were sold the second date after you mailed same
out and I could have sold them several times since just through the
ad in your Bulletin. I think this is a great medium to put people in
touch with others who have things to dispose of or want to buy
anything."
Coronado Beach, Fla.: "Your letter received with money order.
I thank you many times for your interest in getting my money for
me. I know that if you had not helped me I would never have gotten
it. I indeed feel very grateful to you for your interest in this matter."
Ojus, Fla.: "Received check this morning sent by-consequently
the claim has been settled. On behalf of-I wish to thank you for
settling this claim for him; he surely appreciates your efforts in his
behalf. I wish to add my commendation to you for the wonderful
work you are doing, it is appreciated by many who do not take the
trouble to tell you about it. I consider your Bureau one of the most
important in the State."
Barberville, Fla.: '"I can't tell you how surprised and grateful
I was on receipt of your letter with check from-. That was what
I call service and we thank you very much."
Citra, Fla.: "You are doing a wonderful piece of work in pub-
lishing your Marketing Bulletin. They are very useful to all of us
18 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
rural dwellers in getting in touch with the various lines of information
advertised in same."
Miami, Fla.: "Please favor us with the daily market report and
For Sale, Want and Exchange Bulletin. The information and service
you give is invaluable. We can't afford to be without it. Its worth
cannot, in our opinion, be measured in money."
Kendall, Fla.: "I wish to express both in my behalf and in behalf
of our association our sincere appreciation of your valuable service to
we Southern producers by your prompt market information."
Penney Farms, Fla.: "The outline you supplied certainly is com-
plete; is very interesting, and I assure you that it will be most help-
ful. It is exactly what I wanted. We appreciate the help which the
State Marketing Bureau is giving us."
Lake City, Fla.: "You will be interested in knowing, I am sure,
that our farmers are convinced that the proper way of disposing of
their finished stock is through your co-operative sales, and it is com-
mon talk among our farmers that these sales have increased the price
of their hogs from 50c to 75c per hundred pounds. Your sales have
had a tendency to encourage our farmers to breed better hogs, and
the system of grading the hogs has had an educational value that has
added much profit to our farmers, because with this knowledge they
have been better equipped to finish their hogs to proper weights and
grades before disposing of them."
Pompano, Fla.: "I have just received check for $52.95 for ship-
ment -. Please accept my thanks for collecting this account. With-
out your aid am sure would have never gotten it."
STATE MARKETING BUREAU 19
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
of the
Expenditures of the Florida State Marketing Bureau
July 1, 1931, to January 1, 1933.
For Period July 1, 1931, to July 1, 1932.
Appropriation $69,740.
SALARIES ...........---..---..--..............--..-------............................. $29,285.00
M ULTIGRAPH ........................................................
Maintenance of equipment and supplies such as paper,
envelopes, ink, etc., for issuing daily market reports,
bulletins, etc.
ADDRESSOGRAPH ................................................
Upkeep and supplies.
PO STA G E ..................................................................
General office, semi-monthly bulletin, special re-
ports, etc.
TELEGRAPH .....................-- .................................
General office, leased wire maintenance, special
field station relays, etc.
STATIONERY AND OFFICE SUPPLIES ............
Office equipment, rating agency books, trade direc-
tories, typewriters, stationery, ink, stencils, water,
miscellaneous.
TE LE PH ON E ..........................................................
TRAVELING EXPENSES ........................-.............
Commissioner and marketing specialists traveling ex-
penses.
R E N T A L ..................................................................
M ARKET NEW S ......................................................
TARIFF COMMISSION ............................................
6,118.88
218.33
3,012.72
3,219.41
2,285.06
887.36
6,189.48
2,400.00
5,592.18
5,000.00
Total Expended ......---....................----................-----$64,208.42
Turned back to the State June 30th ......-$ 5,531.58
(The Commissioner's salary, $5,000.00 per year, paid from Gen-
eral Revenue Fund, not included in the above.)
20 EIGHTH BIENNIAL REPORT
For Period July 1, 1932, to January 1, 1933.
APPROPRIATED PER ANNUM $89,740.00.
SALARIES ..........................................................------ $14,235.00
M ULTIGRAPH .......................................................... 2,452.37
ADDRESSOGRAPH ..................-............................... 34.64
POSTA GE .................................................................. 1,022.50
TELEGRAPH ............................................................ 781.78
STATIONERY AND OFFICE SUPPLIES ............ 448.20
TELEPH ON E ............................................................ 353.40
TRAVELING EXPENSES ...................................... 3,373.67
R E N TA L .................................................................. 1,200.00
*M ARKET NEW S ...................................................... 808.68
TARIFF COMMISSION ............................................ 5,000.00
T otals ..........................................................$29,710.24
Balance for remaining six months (January
through June) ............................................................$40,029.76
*Heaviest expenses in main shipping season, January through June.
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