Excerpts from the report Preface: This publication is designed to meet the need for general information on the way cooperatives carry on business for farmers. It describes the different kinds of cooperatives farmers have organized and how these cooperatives are used to help them carry on their business operations more effectively. It also tells how cooperatives operate, indicates their relative importance in the agricultural economy, and points out highlights in their development. Finally, it emphasizes the contribution of cooperatives to the general welfare; giving special attention to how these farmer business organizations help farm families, rural communities, the general public, and foreign countries.