News from the

April, 1921

ELMORE REPORTS ON WHEAT CONFERENCE

State Union Head Says
Growers Expect to Raise
$50,000,000 by Harvest

A. A. Elmore, president of the Farmers' Union of Washington and a leader in the cooperative wheat marketing movement of the northwest, returned yesterday from several weeks' eastern trip, during which he was present in Chicago the organization of the U. S. Grain Growers. Inc., a national cooperative wheat marketing company, and also spent some time in Washington. D. C. While in the latter city Mr. Elmore heard President Harding deliver his message to congress.

Harding Has Feet on the Ground

"I was much impressed with what the president said and the way in which he said it," Mr. Elmore said yesterday. "I feel that he has his feet on the ground.

"At the grain meeting in Chicago all of the wheat growing stares were well represented. There was some division of opinion as to the possibilities of pooling wheat. Some of the eastern men thought that the plan might run into the Sherman act relating to combinations, but others felt that the Clayton act carries sufficient exemptions for such a cooperative enterprise.

"There probably will be no change in the form of contract in use out here. As a matter of fact, a cross contract will likely be entered into between the Northwest Wheat Growers' Association and the U. S. Grain Growers. Inc. The new board of directors of the latter expects to have between 50 and 75 million dollars raised by harvest time and we will probably avail ourselves here of aid from this source.

Declares Went Points Way

"We feel gratified that the west has pointed the way and taught the east a lesson in cooperation. At a meeting of the board of directors in Chicago last Monday, when I attended, it was decided to proceed with organization work on a large scale. In the next 60 days 500 solicitors are to be put into the field.

"While in Washington I discussed the question of cooperation with the federal trade commission and particularly its chairman, Mr. Murdock. The commission is much pleased that farmers are taking hold of their problems in an active way and I believe It will be inclined to assist wherever possible."