The use of cooperative organizations in vocational agriculture training in Virginia

Abstract

Increased interest and growth in cooperative activities is indicated in vocational agricultural instruction by the fact that thirty-seven percent of the cooperative participating classes, as reported in the questionnaire replies, started their cooperatives during the forties. Additional need and interest was further indicated in that thirty percent of the reporting schools expressed intention of sponsoring new or additional cooperative services in the near future.

Furthermore, since eighty-four percent of the reporting agricultural teachers expressed a desire of having cooperative material presented during their summer short course, a positive interest and growth trend is shown. This indicates either a growing cooperative interest at present or an expected growth when our production catches up with demand and prices drop. It further indicates that cooperative interest is starting at the bottom with the future farmers, farmers, and agriculture teachers. This is believed to be the successful starting point.

It is concluded that the need for additional organized services in the school communities is abundant as was indicated by eighty-two percent of the reporting teachers. Also that it is possible for cooperatives to supply a large percentage of these needed organized services according to the belief of ninety out of 103 teachers who answered this question. After studying the problems mentioned in summary statement number 32, the writer concurs with the belief of the agriculture teachers in that it is possible for cooperatives to supply a large portion of the needed organized services in agricultural school communities.