The department may investigate, ascertain and publish information and statistics relating to the promotion of agriculture and the advancement of agricultural interests in the various branches thereof, as it may deem proper, including:

a. The acreage under cultivation in general and as to specific crops or agricultural use;

b. Crop adaptation of land;

c. Agricultural land for sale and its adaptation;

d. The improvement of agricultural methods tending to advance the quantity and quality of agricultural products;

e. Improvement in transportation;

f. Establishment of markets;

g. Rates;

h. Irrigation and drainage of lands used for agricultural purposes; and

i. Any and all subjects connected with or related to the agricultural interests, present and future, of this state.

The department may use for the publication and distribution of the information and statistics collected by it such methods as may seem to it best adapted to the efficient dissemination thereof, either with or without charge therefor as it may determine.

In order to collect and disseminate reliable and useful information, and to encourage a higher standard in the agriculture and horticulture of the state, the department may cause to be made experimental and practical tests of specific remedies or cures of diseases of domestic animals and poultry, and of plants, vegetables and fruits, and insects injurious thereto.