REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 11 



combinations which militate against them. More than this, this act 

 gi\fis opportunity for the first time to make a systematic study of the 

 marketing of live stock from the time it leaves the farm until it 

 reaches the wholesaler of meats in the city. Out of such study there 

 should come in time more efficient methods of marketing, and espe- 

 cially more efficient methods of distribution. 



The grain futures act, which extends Government supervision over 

 the grain exchanges on which grain is bought and sold for future 

 delivery, gives a similar opportunity to make a study of the present 

 system of grain marketing. Up to thepresent time it has not been pos- 

 sible to secure that information, which must be had to form an in- 

 telligent idea of the effect of the dealings on these grain exchanges. 

 If the act shall be held to be constitutional by the Supreme Court, 

 that opportunity will be afforded. 



The Joint Commission on Agricultural Inquiry, composed of mem- 

 bers of the House and Senate, sat for many months during 1921, and 

 the following winter made an extended report of its findings. This 

 report contains a mass of material which will be exceedingly helpful 

 in working out national policies designed to aid agriculture. It is 

 the most comprehensive report on the subject which has ever been 

 prepared. 



Congress passed a number of other acts of lesser importance, but all 

 helpful. No Congress in our history gave more extended, sympa- 

 thetic, and understanding consideration to agriculture than the Con- 

 gress which convened in March, 1921. 



THE NATIONAL. AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE. 



In January, 1922, there was held in Washington a national agri- 

 cultural conference, called at your request. This conference was 

 attended by 336 delegates. Some 20 different national farm organi- 

 zations sent delegates, representing all phases of agricultural activity, 

 these delegates numbering 87 and coming from 37 different States. 

 There were individual farmers in attendance to the number of 80, 

 from 30 different States. There were 84 delegates officially connected 

 with agricultural organizations of the different States. There were 

 67 delegates representing businesses having direct relation to agri- 

 culture, and there were 18 women delegates. 



Following your splendid opening address, the delegates were as- 

 signed to various committees, and spent four days considering mat- 



