A26-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 6,1985 LAUREL, DE. - The Laur 1 Farmers’ Auction Market is a major outlet for Delaware-grown watermelons and cantaloupes, as well as a source of other fresh picked local produce. Two recent surveys by University of Delaware agricultural economists of buyers and potential buyers at the market indicate considerable satisfaction with its services. Survey results also shed light on the use of locally grown produce by Delaware roadside market operators. At the request of the Southern Delaware Truck Growers’ Association--the 1,500-member organization which owns and operates the Laurel “Block”- agncultural marketing specialist Dr. Ulrich C. Toensmeyer and extension marketing specialist Carl L. German mailed a questionnaire last January to 264 Cow* 6N You 6UYS , MOVE <WCA / NEED MORE ROOM? Read Ths Real Estate Ads In Lancaster Farming's Classified Section Melons a hit at Laurel Farmers 9 Auction Market commercial produce buyers, Delaware consumers should be Produce Buyers for laurel Far mostly large wholesalers and interested to know that half of the mers’ Auction Market ’’ or brokers along the eastern operators who responded to the cular 147, “Survey of Diron seaboard from New York to the roadside market survey indicated Marketing Produce Buyers f„, Carolmas. In April, the economists they boy produce directly from Laurel Farmers’ Auctim sent a second questionnaire to 309 local sources, often nearby farms. Market.” roadside market and other direct Over 35 percent of operators who said they buy from the Block m- Purposes of the surveys were to; 1) dicated they grow about half of determine if changes were needed their own needs. Seventy-three in the auction market’s operation, percent of the respondents said and 2) increase sales of melons and they grow some or all of their other produce by attracting new produce. Thus, during the growing buyers. season, it would appear that “The obvious strength of the Delaware roadside markets are a auction is its melon B market,” g° od source of fresh local frults Toensmeyer and German con- and vegetables, elude. Buyers presently doing tn response to the question, business at the Block appear to be “Have you bought fresh produce well satisfied with both the quality H" om the Laurel Market?”, 33 and range of produce offered and percent of the direct market the services provided by the operators replied ‘ Yes. They also management and board. sald the y consider it a good early The surveys showed the market source of produce, feel it has good supplies 18 percent of the produce watermelons and cantaloupes, and needed by 33 percent of the com- think its prices are fair, mercial buyers surveyed. Thirty Besides melons, what do nprrpnt of thp riirppf marlcpt rofldsici€ market operstors buy 3t operators who replied indicated the Block? Survey respondents that they bought an average of 25 said they bought potatoes, percent of their produce at the cucumbers, sweet corn, peppers, laurel auction apples, cabbage, green beans, Based on questionnaire strawberries, peaches, asparagus responses. Toensmeyer and and tomatoes. German have suggested that the Based on response to the Block management develop a questionnaires, Toensmeyer and price reporting system, and German say their surveys appear routinely mail written reports to to have helped increase the regular and potential clients. number of buyers who want in formation on product availability, market operation and the market season at the Block. The auction market is about to open for its 46th season. It usually opens in early to mid-July when the local melon crop comes on. Prospective buyers can learn this year’s exact opening date and find out how the market operates by calling manager Jan Conway at 302-875-3147. To obtain reports on either “TWist-Lock” cups: newest innovation from the new leader ...another reason SWISH saves you more labor, more birds, and more money The newest twist ib cage watering makes cup cleaning and maintenance a real snap it s SWISH s Twist-Lock cups for cage layers and brood-grow watering systems Saves labor. No more contortions with hand tools inside a cage-one simple twist of the wrist unlocks and removes the unitized cup and valve It s that easy to maintain when necessary But with SWISH it s hardly ever necessary That s because our cup is self-cleaning Our patented valve keeps the cup clean by flushing any feed particles out so birds can consume them with the water Installation is a snap too with SWISH s new cups they simply snap into the desired location and the hose attaches to the water line outlet These are some The NEW SWISI NORTHEAST AGRI SYSTEMS, INC PO Box 187 Fitchville, CT 06334 Phone (203) 642-7529 survey, contact extension marketing specialist Carl German, Townsend Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303 (302-451-2511). Ask for either ex tension circular 146, “Survey of *>4 e melons passing through Laurel auction market. Nearly $2.5 million worth of produce primarily watermelons and cantaloupes-is sold here each summer to commercial buyers, brokers and roadside market operators. of the ways SWISH s new cup saves you labor-easy installation low maintenance and labor savings between flocks because our cup constantly cleans itself Helps save more birds. Because our cup is self-cleaning algae and bacteria growth is not a problem as with cups that don t flush out feed particles Clean cups mean less chance of disease and less mortality And our big cup means good access to water for a good level of bird health SWISH saves you money. That s the bottom tine with a system that cuts labor and keeps birds alive and productive Get alt the facts about our new cup and other SWISH innovations See your SWISH distributor or contact us PATENTED VALVE IS KEY TO OUR PERFORMANCE Orifice (At forces weter onto 1. 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