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EIGHTEENTH
BIENNIAL REPORT
OF THE
FLORIDA STATE MARKETING BUREAU
FOR PERIOD
JULY 1, 1950 TO JUNE 30, 1952
505 WEST ADAMS STREET
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Letter of Transmittal
Florida State Marketing Bureau
State of Florida
To His Excellency
Honorable Fuller Warren
Governor of Florida
Sir:
I have the honor to herewith submit to you
the Eighteenth Biennial Report of the Florida State
Marketing Bureau for the Fiscal Period July 1,
1950, to June 30, 1952.
Respectfully,
Neill Rhodes,
State Marketing Commissioner.
Jacksonville, Florida
August 18, 1952
THE BUREAU PERSONNEL
Neill Rhodes Commissioner
L. H. Lewis Specialist, Livestock and Field Crops
F. W. Risher Specialist, Poultry and Dairy Products
F. H. Scruggs Specialist, Market News
G. N. Rhodes Specialist, Livestock Market News
W. L. Jackson In Charge Printing and Mailing Room
Edna G. Ferguson Secretary
Effie L. Cureton -Stenographer
Kathryn L. Vernon Stenographer
Sara Wright Stenographer
Caryl C. Michael -Telegrapher
Fred 0. Witt -Mechanical Operator
H. L. Mayberry_ Mechanical Operator
Chris Georgiades Mechanical Operator
F. L. Lothamer Market News Representative, Tampa
John B. Phelps Market News Representative (cooperative) Miami
D. L. Smith Market News Representative (cooperative) Orlando
W. P. Arnold Market News Representative (cooperative) Tallahassee
OFFICE HEADQUARTERS 505 W. Adams St., Jacksonville, Florida.
OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M.
High Lights Eighteenth Biennial Report
Florida State Marketing Bureau
Economy With Public Funds Page 7
What's New ? Page 9
The Farmer's Friend Page 12
Service To The Vegetable Industry Page 13
Service To The Fruit Industry Page 14
Service To The Dairy Industry Page 16
Service To The Poultry Industry. Page 16
Service To The Apiary Industry Page 17
Service To The Floricultural Industry Page 18
Service To The Livestock Industry Page 19
Service To All Page 21
EIGHTEENTH BIENNIAL REPORT
FLORIDA STATE MARKETING BUREAU
July 1, 1950-June 30, 1952
Assuming most people follow my practice of never reading prolonged
diaries, I have prepared the eighteenth biennial report of the Florida State
Marketing Bureau in comparatively brief, understandable language, for
spot reference or reading in toto in less than one hour. The Highlights
index facilitates reference to services rendered the various agricultural
industries, and further reduces the finding-and-reading time of sections
in which anyone may be particularly interested.
Economy with Public Funds
The Bureau, serving the Florida half-billion dollar agricultural indus-
try, has in its thirty-five years existence been very modest in appropriation
requests. Rather than merely talk about economical operation, the depart-
ment has done something about it. The theme of the Eighteenth Biennial
Report might appropriately be: Doing more work without more money,-
the best job possible with the limited funds allowed. Our annual appropri-
ation for each year of the 1951-53 biennium is only $910 more than for the
year July 1, 1949-June 30, 1950 of the previous biennial period. Yet the cost
of some major supplies has increased materially, and the circulation of
releases has likewise mounted in the two-year period. Cost of Bulletin
paper 1949 was $13.40 per cwt, in 1952 it had increased to $15.65 cwt. In 1949
mimeograph paper cost $2.20 per M, in 1952 it costs $2.59.
About the first action taken by the present Commissioner upon his
being appointed in June, 1946, was eliminating his old position of Assistant
Commissioner. The State thus saved one salary by one experienced
official filling the two positions.
Going farther back, the Bureau cooperating with the U. S. Department
of Agriculture started Federal-State Shipping Point Inspection for Florida
growers and shippers in the 1922-23 season. The service was conducted
continuously through the 1946-47 season, leading in the latter seasons the
United States in volume, without from beginning to end one cent of either
Federal or State funds being requisitioned, transferred or appropriated for
financial assistance. It was made to operate wholly from start to finish on
a non-deficit, self-sustaining basis.
When Federal-State fruit and vegetable market news was started
by the Bureau about 1924, it was provided subject to a three-way division
of expenses: The Federalthe State and the growers-shippers each bearing
approximately one-third of the overhead. The present Commissioner secured
the approval and cooperation of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the
Federal-State agencies to share equally all the expense, and cooperative
Eighteenth Biennial Report
agreements based accordingly have for many years been in effect. The
saving to the State by the Federal agency absorbing half the total cost of
the extensive Florida market news service for fruits and vegetables is
conservatively figured at $25,000 annually.
For Florida markets the State does have to absorb all the expense.
Fruits, vegetables, poultry and eggs and livestock are the products for which
the greatest demand has existed for Florida market coverage,-which are
excluded from the Federal-State Market News Agreement. Instead of put-
ting on full-time market reporters, however, we have arranged to use
inspectors of the State Department of Agriculture for quoting the Miami,
Orlando, Tallahassee markets, and tentatively other than Bureau salaried
representatives for quoting the Belle Glade, Wauchula and Lakeland live-
stock markets and the cooperation of the County Agent in quoting the
Palatka section fryer market, at only a fraction of the cost required for
regular, full time employees. Considering salaries, travel, clerical, rental,
telephone and incidentals, the Bureau perhaps saves the State $25,000 in
this part of the general market news service.
The present Commissioner has done most of the purchasing and
prepared budget-appropriation requests for the Florida State Marketing
Bureau. I have not escaped some criticism for being ultra-conservative in
funds requested. Requirements have been closely estimated down to the
ream of paper and pound of ink for efficient but unwasteful operation.
Whenever possible we have turned back to the State unexpended funds in
preference to "spending all appropriated to make future requests look
better."
The Bureau is perhaps the largest purchaser of paper (Bulletin,
market reports, etc.) of all State departments. Four large paper jobbers are
located in Jacksonville and competitive prices are low for the volume. We
have at times rejected all bids and every time worked for the lowest price
possible. And this may be said: There has never been an instance of blind
commission, gratuity, consideration, or special favor sought or offered
directly or indirectly in connection with ANY purchase this department
has ever made.
In 1947 the Bureau had to vacate space occupied for thirty years. The
only quarters available which could be made suitable had to be recon-
ditioned. We cut corners and economized in every way possible, and ab-
sorbed the cost of moving and remodeling the new offices without asking
the State for additional money from contingency or emergency funds for the
purpose. The net result is about twice the former space at about the same
rental. Prior to the lease expiration January 1951 we were requested to pay
for ground floor space the proportionate rental increase made for the entire
building. After months of negotiating we secured a five-year lease renewal
without any increase in rent. A somewhat parallel situation was handled in
securing office space for the Lakeland market news quarters.
Situations like that of rental, which present tests for stretching funds
available to defray expenses not contemplated, forced some curtailment of
8
State Marketing Bureau
service. The poultry and market reports previously issued daily were put
out Tuesdays and Fridays, with quotes for intervening days on which re-
ports were not issued carried in reports next following so the poultry pro-
ducers and buyers would have a complete daily quote record the year round.
On the basis of the present mailing list this accomplishes a saving of about
$2,500 per year. Not much pointed up individually, but if as much were
saved at every opportunity by all public departments the aggregate would
be appreciable. A nickel and dime business built the Woolworth building.
How about my travel expense? Excessive? During my term as
Commissioner, June 7,1946 to date, the State has reimbursed me in all $146.38
for travelling expenses.
The Bureau offices are comfortably but not luxuriously furnished.
We do not have air conditioning. I have the same old desk chair used these
many years. Economical operation is considered as no less than the duty of
public officials and this is no gesture for thanks or praise. I believe the
Bureau's record of economy is a good one. Furthermore, I have endeavored
to set a hard-to-match example of off-time economy: Only absence due to
sickness one week in January 1930, and none in 35 years for vacation.
What's New?
What a department has done "That it didn't have to do", rather than
getting by with mere routine accomplishment, is a reliable yardstick of
whether it has push and governing administrative ability. One may judge
Bureau effort and results from noting a few instances of accomplishments
within the last two-year period:
A new method for faster collection and release for the daily figures
of Florida truck shipments, recorded at the gateway stations, was put in
operation in the 1950-51 season. For the first time truck and rail shipment
information was made comparable on a daily basis.
Over thirteen years ago the Florida State Marketing Bureau saw the
trade's need for a vegetable truck passing report. Arrangements were made
with the Florida Citrus Inspection Bureau to have their road block stations
record the vegetable passing and mail the reports to the State Marketing
Bureau for release by leased wire, and in daily bulletins. Thus the nation's
first daily vegetable truck passing report was pioneered.
Except for the war years, the truck volume has been steadily in-
creasing until now approximately 50% of Florida vegetables are moved by
truck carrier. It may be easily seen that for statistical purposes this report
has been and is invaluable. However, with the advent of larger and faster
trucks the old system of mailing the reports from the passing stations to the
State Marketing Bureau in Jacksonville became inadequate, and the old
reporting system was streamlined. Passing reports are telephoned to Bureau
offices daily with comparable cut-off time with rail shipments.
Eighteenth Biennial Report
NEW Market News for Non-Citrus Fruits
After considerable spade work we initiated a summertime market
news service July 2, 1951, providing terminal northern, southern and
western market coverage, also Florida market information for the Florida
lime, avocado and mango shippers. Daily mail reports were sent to all re-
questing the service in the period July through October inclusive, of greatest
help and protection to the small producers who previously had to get along
without official data in their principal shipping season. Truck passing were
included. Special TWX circuit was opened with U.S.D.A. office in Atlanta,
data from all large markets were assembled in Washington and relayed in
section wires to the Bureau in government code at minimum cost. Under
the Commissioner's appointment as Collaborator with U.S.D.A., mail re-
ports moved by frank, and a very much needed service was provided at very
little cost.
NEW Extending Market News Leased Wire to State Farmers Markets
Eleven of the State Farmers' Markets are primarily vegetable
markets. On three of these, Sanford, Pompano and Plant City, Federal-
State Market News field offices were already located. The Bureau pre-
sented in all some three plans to Washington for expanding the Florida
Federal-State Market News Service to include the five State Markets
designated by the Director, Mr. Wm. L. Wilson, as most needing the service.
Following much correspondence, numerous conferences and long distance
calls, arrangements were completed to add five markets to the Federal-
State leased wire circuit. Wauchula, Palmetto and Ft. Pierce came on our
leased wire circuit Nov. 15, Ft. Myers Dec. 3 and Florida City Dec. 17, 1951.
The eight State Markets thus accommodated can feed the remaining three
with service.
NEW Shipping Point Citrus Prices
F.O.B. citrus prices were included in the releases from the Lakeland
office, starting in the 1951-52 season. For about a quarter of a century your
Marketing Commissioner has worked to the objective of providing the
individual, the "small producer" particularly, with regular f.o.b. price
information for his citrus fruit. Gradually over the years opposition in
certain quarters was overcome and the f.o.b. data were included with weekly
delivered prices, cash sales to processors, starting in the Lakeland report
Nov. 13, 1951. The Federal-State daily citrus releases from Lakeland include
auction averages through courtesy of the Florida Citrus Exchange, and f.o.b.
and cash sales information supplied by courtesy of the Florida Citrus
Mutual.
NEW Additional Livestock Market News Coverage
The Belle Glade full time and Okeechobee part time Livestock
Markets have been given official coverage by the Bureau the past year. The
Hardee County Livestock Market was officially Bureau quoted the first
time Dec. 6, 1951, under cooperative arrangements with the Range Cattle
State Marketing Bureau
Station at Ona. Market News coverage for livestock at Live Oak was
started by the Bureau Jan. 2, 1952. Arrangements were made through
cooperation of the Polk County Agent's office to provide the Lakeland
Livestock Market with official market coverage Jan. 8, 1952. The f.o.b.
Florida shipping point price information in general has about doubled in the
last year as to additional areas included.
NEW Palatka Section F.O.B. Fryer Market
The development of the Florida poultry industry has reached such
volume proportions that the basis of the Jacksonville quotations was
changed in February 1952. Range prices of sales of live poultry in large
lots to large dressers were quoted on reported actual-sales averages, instead
of the one-price average of the quote previously reported of sales of
small lots to small dressers. To protect the small producers explanatory
footnote was carried to indicate the higher margin applicable to small lots
to small dressers of live poultry.
Arrangements were made through the cooperation of the County
Agent of Putnam County to officially quote the f.o.b. farm-price, fryer
market daily for the important Palatka section. This is the first official f.o.b.
producing section poultry quote for Florida, put into effect by the Bureau
February 12, 1952. The Tallahassee, including West Florida markets, has
been included for poultry and egg quotation service for the past year.
Other New Services
Other new services rendered by the Bureau could be mentioned
almost without end. Last watermelon season the growers and shippers at
Newberry needed badly a cash track quotation service for guidance in
making sales. Through arrangement suggested by the Bureau, the Bank of
Newberry made daily telephone calls to the Federal-State Market News
office at Leesburg for the information which the bank posted on bulletin
board as a public service. In mid-November 1951 the Northeast Florida
Nurserymen's Association appealed to the Bureau for help in securing
special weather forecasts from Lakeland. On the third day from the date
of the Association's request arrangements were completed for two C.N.D.
wires to be sent daily from Lakeland to an Association representative who
phoned the data to other members, and at a cost of only $15.00 per month to
the group of nurserymen. The Federal- State Frost Warning Service at
Lakeland was provided in the beginning largely through the untiring efforts
of the late L. M. Rhodes, Hon. Spessard Holland, and others cooperating.
Suggested plan and helped complete details for S.A.L. Railway to place
on its leased wire circuit official Federal-State cash track watermelon
information daily for public posting on various loading-point bulletin
boards. First report June 3, 1952.
The F. 0. B. Florida Quotes
Several decades ago when Florida agricultural products were largely
consigned, our producers were more interested in market quotations and
Eighteenth Biennial Report
conditions on several big terminal markets. As more f.o.b. shipping point
and cash sales were made, accurate and reliable information covering
Florida activities at selling points was needed. In addition, therefore, to
general terminal market news, the Bureau in close cooperation with the
U. S. Department of Agriculture has broadened its coverage of f.o.b. and
cash sales at Florida loading or assembling centers. For instance, for
vegetables: Hastings, Sanford-Oviedo, Belle Glade, Pompano Dade County,
Florida City, Ft. Pierce, Plant City, Ft. Myers, Immokalee, Manatee-Ruskin,
Sarasota, Wauchula, Webster, Zellwood, Leesburg. For Citrus: Lakeland
with auction average f.o.b. and cash sales state-wide basis. For livestock:
Gainesville, Kissimmee, Ocala, Belle Glade, Okeechobee (part time), Ar-
cadia, Hillsboro (Tampa), Monticello, Marianna, Wauchula, Live Oak and
Lakeland. Poultry and eggs produced in Florida are sold on Florida mar-
kets, and well rounded out service providing market conditions and quo-
tations on live and dressed poultry, including turkeys, and both eggs
loose and in cartons for the Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando and
Tallahassee markets, is supplied by mail, telephone and telegraph the
year round. The large producing centers of both poultry and eggs use
these Florida-market quotes as basis in making sales, delivered, f.o.b. or
cash at farm or point of origin.
Annual Reports
In the regular annual fruit, vegetable and miscellaneous report of the
Bureau, and those of the several Federal-State market news offices over
the State, we do provide detailed statistical information, appropriate to the
needs of those who most use and request the data. For example, the Bureau's
annual report for the 1950-51 season consists of 122 pages. The Federal-
State Citrus Summary from Lakeland 1950-51 season contains 56 pages. In
the light of the biennial period, to include the information given in only
these two reports, it would require some 356 pages. The biennial report to
provide complete coverage would also have to include the similar summaries
issued after each shipping season from Hastings, Sanford, Pompano, Belle
Glade, Plant City, Leesburg, and the Thomasville livestock summaries.
The Farmer's Friend
The For Sale, Want & Exchange Bulletin, issued on the 1st and 15th
of each month is used each issue by an average of 500 people or 12,000 per
year who are engaged in some agricultural line of endeavor for listing items
for sale or wanted. Introduced in any section of Florida I am soon told by
many "I get the Bulletin." Oct. 15, 1949 there were 50,532 names on the
Bulletin mailing list, Oct. 15, 1950 55,745, and Nov. 1, 1951 59, 582. In addition
several hundred copies are mailed in bundles for individual distribution
from various offices. An estimated 150,000 persons read the Bulletin.
Not only sales of farm and grove products, farm seeds and plants,
livestock, poultry and eggs for breeding but also sales of used farm equip-
ment for which nowhere else the farmers have as good means of disposition,
are made through space donated the growers by the Bulletin. Many wanted
State Marketing Bureau
columns listing items needed by growers are used annually. No solicitation
whatever is made for subscribers, no name is added to the mailing list
unless specific request is received. The Bureau staff has endeavored to
make the editorial page of the Bulletin outstanding. Much of the infor-
mation included editorially in the Bulletin is unavailable from other sources.
Some of the editorials represent weeks of effort and present assembled
data requiring seasons and years to tabulate in comparable form. The Dec. 1,
1951 issue for instance carried information previously unavailable in public
release form, after the Bureau contacted authorities over several months'
time in five different states, not to mention one Federal Agency and a trans-
portation company. From 500 to 1,000 extra copies or reprints of some
special articles are requested.
The agricultural industry of Florida is served by the Bulletin and to
lesser extent the general public. Space will not be taken to quote the many
appreciative, complimentary letters, but one emphasizes how much Bulletin
service means to the little fellow, in this instance the mother of a large
family wrote Nov. 20, 1951: "I have already mailed the seed. I received lots
of orders to fill. Raising plants to sell to try to make a living by myself.
Have had lots of sickness and trouble. I thank you for the help you have
been. Please place the following (plants) in the next Bulletin."
Some of the editorials of the Bulletin within the current biennial
period for which there has been the greatest demand covered the following
subjects: Florida F.O.B. Shipping Point Vegetable Prices 1950-51 Season;
Food and People; Some Pointers on Hog Types and Breeds; Florida The
Land of Livestock Opportunities; Poultry Progress in Florida and U.S.A;
Dairying in Florida; First Steps Important in Marketing Watermelons;
Florida Livestock Auction Summary 1950; Florida Land of Honey; Florida
Truck Shipments Since 1930; Forests of Florida; Preparing Vegetable
Transplants for Shipment; For Citrus Sake.
If one would know of the service and popularity of the For Sale,
Want and Exchange Bulletin, the farmer's friend, he need only ask the
many farmer patrons who read and use it regularly.
Administrative officials and the public as well are perhaps more
interested in what the Commissioner, the Marketing Specialists, the Bureau
force has done in the aggregate as a department than a detailed recitation
of what each individual of the Bureau personnel has accomplished.
Grouping the report by lines of agricultural endeavor followed in Florida,
some of our activities in their behalf in the recent biennial period were, for-
The Vegetable Industry
The Bureau has kept the vegetable grower and shipper well informed
as to acreage planted or intended in Florida, other states and competitive
foreign producing sections. He has been informed fully and regularly with
impartial, official data as to market supply, demand, trend, condition and
quotation range at both terminal market centers and shipping-assembling
points in Florida and competitive areas. In personal conference, by mail
Eighteenth Biennial Report
and telephone the grower and shipper have been provided with names
and addresses of buyers or dealers handling the particular products they
may have had for sale. Lists of buyers-dealers in certain sections of the
United States have been prepared and provided those requesting them.
Special lists of buyers of various products have been supplied. Some
shippers required a list of chain-store operators within market reach of
Florida truck shipments, and it was promptly prepared for them.
The vegetable industry as a whole, from small truck grower to the
large cooperative or independent operator, has been well and continuously
posted as to commercial shipments by both rail and truck from Florida, all
states and imports. Our daily reports have also included weather resume -
frost, freeze, wind or rain damage to ready-to-ship crops, both local and
domestic.
Full information, help and service has been provided for claim pro-
cedure, transportation, commercial, and under Federal Produce Agency
and Perishable Agricultural Commodities Acts, and the Florida Agricul-
tural Licensing and Bonding Law.
The Bureau with the splendid cooperation of the U. S. Department of
Agriculture has provided the vegetable industry with a most compre-
hensive, useful, practical market news service in Florida.
The department answers many inquiries for information on the
financial and commercial responsibility of dealers, those buying vegetables
outright, and those catering to consignments.
The Bureau has given cooperation to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable
Association in providing statistics and otherwise in their worthy efforts of
helping our growers to meet competition from foreign vegetable producing
areas, particularly the Mexican West Coast and Cuba. The Bureau
appropriation includes an item of $5,000 per year for aiding the Association
financially in tariff work.
In short the Bureau provides the vegetable industry with practically
every type of marketing service except one: We do not handle the product
direct.
The Fruit Industry
Citrus comprises by far the greater proportion of Florida fruit ship-
ments. Shipments of citrus in the 1950-51 season amounted to 77,701 cars.
Shipments of non-citrus (including strawberries and watermelons)
amounted to 18,573 cars, or nearly one-fourth as much as the citrus fruit
volume moving out of the State. For the fruit industry the Bureau has
with U.S.D.A. cooperation placed a special field reporting station in the
heart of producing sections for supplying daily official market information
to strawberry and watermelon shippers.
For lime, avocado and mango producers and shippers a special service
was started July 1, 1951, furnishing daily official market data until Nov. 1.
14
State Marketing Bureau
Thereafter from Nov. 1 June 30, information was continued in the daily
market news bulletins issued by the Federal-State Market News Service
from the Bureau offices in Jacksonville.
A special feature of service provided the citrus growers and shippers
is that from the Lakeland Citrus Office. The principal services furnished
were outlined in brief by Mr. H. F. Willson in charge of the Lakeland
Service, season 1951-52:
"The Federal-State Market News Office on citrus supplies the various
segments of the industry, principally growers, shippers, receivers, buyers,
transportation agencies with basic citrus information by mail, telephone,
telegraph and radio. Agencies, such as marketing committees, advertising
firms and industry organizations use our distribution information both un-
loads and passing in determining their various marketing programs thru-
out the season. By means of cooperation with both the AP and UP all
interested parties immediately have available thru newspapers and radio
the vital information of shipments, distribution and auction prices. The
daily mail report ranges from a 1,000 to 1,500 depending on time of season.
Newspaper and radio coverage extends from Jacksonville to Miami in-
cluding intermediate points. A special wire CND service is available thru-
out the season, and a detailed comprehensive summary of each season is
tabulated yearly with requests totaling well over a thousand copies. At the
request of the Citrus Sales Managers Club a special Saturday passing
report was inaugurated to enable shippers to get better distribution and
avoid glutting any particular area. Without this Saturday report no infor-
mation on distribution was available from Friday to Monday. Two other
services made available for the first time during the 1951-52 citrus season
are 'Weekly FOB prices for all classes of Florida Citrus' together with
'daily cannery utilization'."
Special statistical information has been provided the fruit industry
in addition to the detailed material carried in the Bureau's Annual Fruit
and Vegetable Report. The editorial page of the Bulletin has carried special
citrus tabulations, summaries and data not elsewhere available. Particularly
the small grower has requested and been supplied with information as to
the commercial and financial responsibility of the dealer with whom he
dealt. Help in Federal Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and other
claims has been given promptly upon request. Source of supplies and other
general information has been provided.
The ground was spaded and the crop planted by the Florida State
Marketing Bureau for some services continuing but not now under our juris-
diction, for the citrus and vegetable, and floricultural and other industries,
the annual reports of the results of such service rendered not appropriate
for the Bureau to make mentioning two for instance: Shipping Point
Inspection started in 1922, and Frost Warning Service for general horti-
cultural protection started in 1935.
Eighteenth Biennial Report
The Dairy Industry
Our Marketing Specialist in Dairy Products has returned to full-
time Bureau duties, having previously been loaned to the Commissioner of
Agriculture on part time basis to direct the poultry division. The depart-
ment largely through the Dairy Products Specialist has worked with the
Dairy inspectors in West Florida in promoting farm dairying. Continuing
the work pioneered years ago, a market has been established for fluid milk,
a new source of income for cotton and peanut farmers. Two whole milk
plants have been opened in West Florida by two of our largest milk product
plant operators. At present these farmers have an annual income of close to
a million dollars from fluid milk. This farm dairying is also watched by small
farmers of the Suwannee River Valley and some of the leaders have visited
the Chipley-Marianna dairy section. We are the State agency cooperating
with the Dairy Division of the U. S. D. A., providing Federal-State in-
spection on butter and cheese. This makes it possible for Florida dealers to
take contracts to deliver dairy products to Veterans Hospitals and boats and
certain other buyers of dairy products.
To assist in developing and to further aid dairying in Florida we have
cooperated with Florida Department of Agriculture Dairy Inspection
Division and been active in promoting junior work among 4-H Club
members and F.F.A. members by helping provide premium money at shows
for animals raised by these juniors and prizes for best showmanship and
judging teams. Representatives of the Bureau have visited many Shows
and Fairs where these Club members were taking part either by showing
animals or as members of teams competing for prizes.
Information has been given by mail and wire, and in personal con-
ferences as to sources of supply of feeds, particularly Florida produced
Pangola grass and native hays. Considerable statistical data and press re-
leases have been prepared and distributed to those already dairying in
Florida, and sent as reliable information to those in other States interested
in coming to Florida to go into dairy production.
The Poultry Industry
We issue every Tuesday and Friday daily mail market reports for
poultry producers state-wide covering Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Talla-
hassee (West Florida), the f.o.b. fryer market Palatka section and Tampa
markets, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, North Georgia and other
points. Provide the Associated Press with daily poultry and egg market
information which is distributed to the press of the State. Supply the
Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville Journal and one Miami daily with
special daily information of the Jacksonville market. Send out from a low
of 47 to as many as 80 telegrams on dates of Jacksonville poultry and egg
market changes, and call a dozen or so producers and dealers in the Duval-
Nassau area giving them the same market-change information. Handle
hundreds of telephone calls weekly, approximately 50 per day, relating to
poultry and egg market demand, trend, condition and price. During the 1952
Western-Union strike, the Bureau provided all interested sources with
State Marketing Bureau
regular North Georgia Poultry Market daily. From the Bureau offices in
Jacksonville we also provide three radio stations with poultry and egg
information requested by their farmer-listeners. From Bureau repre-
sentatives in Tampa and other Florida cities covered, local press and radio
stations obtain market information appropriate for the respective section.
In cooperation with the Poultry Association of the State, the Bureau
has helped in carrying on consumer educational programs, such as by
placing a dressed poultry exhibit at the Tampa Fair in connection with an
egg exhibit that showed eggs properly graded for size and quality and pack-
aged in consumer size identified packs (cartons) and wholesale packs of
cases, all properly labeled. This exhibit was very popular, was televised
and caused a lot of favorable comment. Helped judge and arrange many
egg exhibits at district and county fairs. Prepared quite a number of
articles for the Poultry Press of the State, several of them were repro-
duced in the National Press.
To aid in promoting a unified poultry industry, representatives served
on a committee to reorganize the State Poultry Council, which Council is
composed of delegates from all phases of the industry, from producer to
processor and retailer. Met with and addressed the local associations that are
scattered from Pensacola to Miami. Gave aid and assistance to 4-H and
FFA Poultry Club members by helping secure prize money for them at State
and local shows. Helped the adult poultrymen hold shows at local fairs and
the State Baby Chick and Egg Show. Our Poultry Marketing Specialist
served by request on National Committee on simplification of grades and
standards and on Regional Committee for revising Federal-State grades of
eggs and poultry meat. Also as member of building committee of Florida
livestock pavilions.
In order for West Florida poultrymen to be better informed about
market conditions, established market news quotations at Tallahassee for
that section. Assisted many poultrymen individually in finding markets for
eggs, fryers, and turkeys, and gave several Poultry Associations assistance
in locating markets for the products of their members.
We are the only State agency cooperating with the Federal Depart-
ment of Agriculture to provide cooperative egg and poultry inspection, and
thus local dealers can sell to government agencies, like Veterans Hospitals
and to boats doing coastwise and foreign service. This service also gives
retailers the opportunity of selling Federal-State graded eggs, identified
and guaranteed for quality and size. The candlers doing grading are under
constant supervision of a Federal-State supervisor in plants carrying on
this program of packaged eggs identified for the consumer.
The Apiary Industry
Florida beekeepers now produce so much honey from so many kinds
of plants that the volume produced in the State places Florida in third
position among the other States. To assist bee men in their marketing
problems, one of which is more consumption of honey, we, in cooperation
Eighteenth Biennial Report
with the Apiarist of the University of Florida, have secured financial aid
for making honey exhibits at the State Fair and other fairs in Florida.
Prepared an article on beekeeping and marketing of honey for the
Bulletin which has been popular with the industry. Attended a half dozen
Association meetings and gave talks on marketing honey, and advertising
through the medium of Fairs and roadside billboards. Advised with the
management of the State Cooperative Marketing Association, which had a
contract to fill an order for one million pounds of honey that was mostly
to New York for export. Have listed honey for sale in the Bulletin regularly
for numerous producers. Also bees, equipment, etc., for those producers
having surplus. Have prepared and sent lists of honey buyers to those re-
questing service. Held conferences in Bureau offices with those requesting
honey marketing help. Have served many seeking to purchase as well as
those wishing to sell honey.
Information has been given as to market outlets for beeswax. Help
was provided those needing containers in which to ship carlot volume of
honey. Rating and manufacturers directories are stocked to provide further
service to honey producers and shippers.
The Floricultural Industry
The rapidly growing Floricultural industry of Florida has attained
volume and value rank of high commercial importance. The total seasonal
value of the State's horticultural-specialty production is probably not
exceeded by more than four of Florida's major vegetable crops. The 1945
Federal Census showed the value of horticultural specialties sold was 2V2
times that of 1940. Serving this important industry the Bureau began in
1946-47, and has continued every season since, including New York City cut
flower quotations, the only official cut flower quotes in the United States.
In 1950-51 and 1951-52 seasons, the Federal-State daily reports from Plant
City office also carried the New York cut flower quotes.
Our handling so many claims for fern, bulb and flower shippers
emphasized the need for protection to our growers offering floricultural
shipments in interstate commerce. As far back as 1941 your Commissioner
requested Hon. J. Hardin Peterson to offer in Congress an amendment to the
Federal Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, he introduced H.R. 6247.
It became lost in the shuffle with advent of World War 2. At my request
Mr. Peterson introduced another similar bill June 10,1948 H.R. 6869, which
did not pass. Finally Congressman Peterson introduced an outright flori-
cultural measure March 8,1950, which received Committee consideration but
did not pass. Congressman McMullen re-introduced the measure Oct.
15, 1951.
From basic material supplied by courtesy of the New York Depart-
ment of Farms and Markets, the Bureau prepared for Florida floricultural
shippers a tabulation of New York City receipts and price ranges of gladi-
olus, by months and years for the period 1939 through 1950.
18
State Marketing Bureau
Not satisfied to merely keep step in providing service for current
needs of the floricultural producer, we have done considerable planning for
future needs of this industry. Arrangements were made to report daily truck
passing volume of floricultural specialities beginning with the 1951-52
season. Also tentative schedule was prepared and approved for quoting
Florida f.o.b. sales of gladiolus. As requirements are made for additional
service in future seasons, we hope thus to "already be ready."
Comprehensive list of florists and dealers handling bulbs, ferns, cut
flowers and similar specialities was prepared after diligent research, and
mimeographed for distribution to those needing the information.
Claim work for fern producers particularly has been handled by the
Bureau in the current biennial period. They would aggregate hundreds.
Many personal interviews have been held with the Bureau Commissioner
who fortunately has had a third-of-a-hundred years experience in claim
details. Help in transportation problems has been given cut flower shippers,
and information as to proper method of packing and shipping Florida
plumosus fern made available to the industry. Largely as a result of the
Commissioner's interest and help to Florida floriculture, he was made a
charter director in the formation of the American Hibiscus Society, and is
also a member of the American Camellia Society.
The Livestock Industry
The Bureau has helped organize the following:
State-wide Livestock Market Managers Association
Florida Livestock Owner and Managers Association
Florida Federation of Fairs, Livestock Shows and Expositions
Florida Livestock Loss Prevention Committee
Florida Santa Gertrudas Breeders Association
We have helped to prepare standard forms for small livestock shows.
Our Marketing Specialists have helped put on 28 fitting, grooming and
typing demonstrations. Our Livestock Marketing Specialist has been Ring
Master at several livestock shows, judged the livestock, acted as judge in
showmanship and fitting and grooming contests, and otherwise helped fairs,
livestock shows and expositions to succeed. He has participated in 226 Shows,
served as Chairman of State Department of Agriculture Committee on Fairs
Livestock Shows, and Expositions, and as Secretary to Florida Livestock
Loss Prevention Committee, Florida Federation of Fairs, Livestock Shows
and Expositions, and Advisory Secretary to Florida Livestock Market
Managers Association. At least 50 public grading demonstrations have been
held at fat cattle and hog shows where live animals and often the carcasses
have been officially graded.
The Bureau has encouraged improvements of our livestock markets
as to design and use, sanitation, weighing and grouping for sale. Has
encouraged taking market news and showed how to interpret the market
reports. We have cooperated with purebred breeders in stocker-feeder
19
Eighteenth Biennial Report
sales, and are responsible for many stocker-feeder buyers coming to
Florida. We have helped promote and advertise good purebred sales, have
advocated pasture improvement, better feeding and care of livestock.
Florida has 28 meat packers and slaughterers, 150 or more other
slaughterers, 70 frozen food lockers, 28 livestock auction markets, 6 Cooper-
ative sales points and many cash buyers. This department has contributed
its full share in helping to bring about the improved marketing conditions.
The Florida livestock producer now sells largely for cash competitively
f.o.b. shipping point, whereas fifteen years ago the basis was "What will
you give me?"
The livestock department of the Bureau prepares statistical infor-
mation on livestock; lists of purebred beef cattle and swine breeders by
breeds; of frozen food lockers; livestock markets as packers, abattoirs,
slaughterers, auctions, etc., and of fairs, livestock shows and expositions;
and supplies most any information and material by class needed to help
Florida producers obtain better market outlets. Our Marketing Specialist
in Livestock has personally distributed about 1,000 Beef Cattle Bulletins
and 400 Hog Bulletins.
Florida has many common problems with Alabama, Georgia, Missis-
sippi, the Carolinas and nationally from the viewpoint of grades and
standards. We worked with a committee in Georgia on improved plans of
livestock auction markets.
Bureau service touches thousands of people through groups and
hundreds of individuals. We have helped and furnished information to
hundreds of good prospective citizens in other States as to Florida possi-
bilities in livestock. No crop too little, none too big, to prevent our giving
the best information possible promptly, and no grower too little or too
big for us to serve for the asking. Efficient help is given when needed
and wanted.
In the period July 1, 1950-June 30, 1952, the Florida State Marketing
Bureau has, in cooperation with the USDA Livestock Market News Office,
Thomasville, Georgia, continued improving and expanding its objective of
keeping livestock producers informed on current cattle and hog transactions
at representative Florida markets distributed over the State and throughout
the week (seven markets reported regularly Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday each week). In October 1950 an entirely separate daily
report to press and radio on Florida cattle sales was initiated thereby giving
Florida producers current information on local markets closer to home.
In all the following Florida livestock markets are officially given
market news coverage: Monticello, Gainesville, Tampa, Marianna, Arcadia,
Kissimmee (to January 1, 1952), Ocala, Belle Glade, Live Oak, Wauchula
and Lakeland.
In addition to reporting current volume and prices, the Florida State
Marketing Bureau has maintained practical yet detailed records on what
20
State Marketing Bureau
has happened in Florida livestock markets in the past, as a guide to pro-
ducers for the future. These records include tabulations on average cattle
prices (USDA BAE, Orlando, cooperating), price ranges, numbers and per-
centages applicable to cattle and hogs, and also detailed interstate livestock
truck passing records, compiled in cooperation with the State Department
of Agriculture Road Guard Stations and the Livestock Sanitary Board.
Miscellaneous Services
Everyone engaged in any phase of Florida's diversified agriculture
has upon request been served willingly and promptly by the Bureau. We
worked closely with the U.S.D.A. and the Southeastern states to make
satisfactory plans for marketing pecans. By our combined efforts the pecan
crops have been sold at good prices. The Bureau cooperated in working
out basic facts for the Pecan Marketing Agreement and aided in every
way possible in marketing this crop by establishing sales places to handle
pecans, by helping to standardize grading at shipping point to obtain f.o.b.
shipping point prices, and otherwise.
Help has been given upon every request to the syrup and sweet
potato producers. Much assistance has been given the cooperative negro
farmers association in marketing their syrup.
The Bureau has cooperated with many other agencies: The U. S.
Department of Agriculture, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the
Florida Citrus Exchange and Florida Citrus Mutual, State Board of Forestry,
State Board of Health, State Farmers Markets, Agricultural Extension
Service, State Cattle, Dairy and Poultry Associations, State Plant Board,
American Hibiscus Society, Federated Garden Clubs, Florida Gladiolus
Growers Association, Nurserymen Associations, Vocational Agricultural
Teachers, the FFA, Florida Beekeepers Association, State Hatcherymen's
Association, Feed Dealers Association, State Chamber of Commerce, Farm
Bureau Federation, Agricultural Agents of railroads,-and others.
In brief if anyone is engaged in any line of agricultural production in
Florida, the Florida State Marketing Bureau can serve him. Through con-
tacts by Marketing Specialists in the field, through thousands of market
reports on all important Florida products sent regularly each season,
through one and one-half million copies of the For Sale, Want and Exchange
Bulletin going to practically every nook and corner of the State annually,
through broad daily press and radio market news coverage, through
thousands upon thousands of letters answering calls for information, to
mention a few instances, probably no other agency serves a greater number
of agriculturists;-providing services needed and requested. As those
visiting our offices may have observed, the Bureau is a workshop for the
public, an agency without private offices and hard-to-interview depart-
mental executives, where conferring with the appropriate representatives
is a matter of only a few minutes if any delay.
The Eighteenth Biennial Report starts with comment on economy.
It ends with the Financial Statement on the pages following.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
of the
FLORIDA STATE MARKETING BUREAU
Expenditures from July 1, 1950 to June 30, 1951
Brought forward June 30, 1950_ ._-_--$ 17,443.96
Appropriation for Year ending June 30, 1951 121,170.00
Federal Allotment Special Livestock Market News ----....------ 2,200.00
Credit discarded equipment sold $362.75; Federal
re-imbursement truck passing $175.38 538.13
TOTAL AVAILABLE __........ .. .-..-..__ .......-- ...... .... $141,352.09
Expenditures
SALARIES -------__ ---.... ......$69,073.26
NECESSARY AND REGULAR EXPENSES:
Heat, Lights, Water _$ 677.67
Postage 4,055.03
Telephone Telegraph .............. 1,848.19
Freight, Express, Cartage _....... 230.32
Travel Commissioner and
Marketing Specialists field duties-.11,493.19
Cleaning and Laundry Services
and Supplies -. 641.16
Information, Credit and other
Contractual Services (including
Market News and Tariff) _- -..-14,265.92
Office and Printing Supplies--._..-- 4,296.35
Rent ._..... 4,761.00
Office and Printing Equipment,
parts and repairs 2,881.19
Paper for Printing -------.............._.........19,244.21
Miscellaneous Items ___ ... ....... 392.99
TOTAL EXPENSES -...... .... _.... .... .... $64,787.22 $133,860.48
NET APPROPRIATION BALANCE
$ 7,491.61
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
of the
FLORIDA STATE MARKETING BUREAU
Expenditures from July 1, 1951 to June 30, 1I
Appropriation for Year ending June 30, 1952
Expenditures
SALARIES $69,428.77
NECESSARY AND REGULAR EXPENSES:
Heat, Lights, Water $ 647.19
Postage 4,875.13
Telephone Telegraph 2,352.46
Freight, Express, Cartage 172,53
Travel Commissioner and
Marketing Specialists field duties_ 11,538.42
Cleaning and Laundry Services
and Supplies 455.21
Information, Credit and other Con-
tractual Services (including
Market News and Tariff) 13,107.81
Office and Printing Supplies 1,524.15
Rent 5,006.00
Office and Printing Equipment,
parts and repairs 4,984.80
Paper for Printing 6,313.16
Miscellaneous items 293.87 $51,270.73
)52
..$122.080.00
$120,699.50
APPROPRIATION BALANCE $ 1,380.50
Federal Allotment Special Livestock Market News $ 1,650.00
Credit Cooperative Dairy Agreement $ 117.56
$ 3,148.06
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