REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 15 



The merging of these three units into one had been anticipated by 

 an informal reorganization of their work. It is now possible to 

 make a comprehensive study of economic questions involved in pro- 

 duction, marketing, and distribution of farm products, following 

 every step of these processes. This is necessary to secure for farmers 

 the information needed to put American agriculture upon a perma- 

 nently productive and profitable basis. Studies are under way which 

 will cover every process through which the more important products 

 of agriculture pass on the way from the farm to the consumer. 



An intensive study is being made of the part distributors play in 

 financing the production of fruits and vegetables, and the effect on 

 production, distribution, and price. Also, studies are being made of 

 the organized fruit- auction companies in the larger city markets. 

 It is estimated that these companies handle about $150,000,000 worth 

 of fruit each year, but little is known of them and their manner 

 of doing business. Studies are being also made to secure detailed 

 information on such matters as production, supply, distribution, and 

 consumption of fruit and truck crops. 



MARKETING OF LIVE STOCK AND MEATS. 



Through cooperation with the buying and selling agencies at the 

 Chicago market, live-stock marketing information is being gathered 

 to show the State origin, number, and average weight of each grade 

 of beef steers received, together with the average price paid and the 

 final disposition. This information makes it possible to determine the 

 seasonal supply of the various grades of steers arriving at Chicago 

 and the number going to the country for further feeding or grazing. 

 Information is also being gathered to ascertain the percentage of each 

 market class of sheep and lambs in the total receipts at Chicago, and 

 the average weight and price of these classes. Information of this 

 sort is necessary as a basis for enabling producers and feeders both 

 to plan their operations and to regulate the marketing of their stock, 

 and becomes more and more valuable as it accumulates. 



COMPETITION AND DEMAND IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



As long as we export considerable quantities of wheat, cotton, pork, 

 and other farm products, it is important that we be informed as to 

 competition to be met in foreign markets and as to conditions which 

 influence demand and price. During the past year the department 



