BUREAU OF MARKETS AND CROP ESTIMATES. 511 



crease of more than 1,800 over the prececlin^^ year. Sets of photo- 

 graphs illustrating standardization of containers were supplied to 

 interested parties. Several leaflets were also issued in mimeographed 

 form as follows: 



" Outline of Present and Proposed Standardization of Fruit and Vegetable 

 Containers." 



"A Schedule of Ileconiraended Dimensions for Berry Boxes and Till Basinets." 

 "A List of States ^^■hich Have Standardized Fruit and Vejietable Containers." 



DIVISION OF LIVE STOCK, MEATS, AND WOOL. 



The Division of Live Stock, Meats, and Wool, which has been con- 

 ducted under the direction of C. V. Whalin, includes the following 

 activities : 



llesearcb studies relating to the marketing of live stock, meats, and wool. 

 Market reports on live stock, meats, and wool. 



RESEARCH STUDIES RELATING TO THE MARKETING OF UVE STOCK, MEATS, 



AND WOOL. 



The division leader has been assisted in this work by C. A. 

 Burmeister, L. B. Burk, W. C. Davis, C. A. Harlan, and G. T. 

 Willingmyre. 



Greater progress was made in the investigational and research 

 work of this division during the past year than in any previous year. 

 Investigation of the marketing problems which had been abandoned 

 temporarily during the war were resumed and many problems which 

 had dcA'eloped as a result of changed economic conditions were given 

 attention. Because of the discouraging conditions prevailing in the 

 live-stock industry at the opening of the past fiscal 5'ear, the division 

 undertook to make a careful analysis of the economic phases of the 

 live-stock industry. A thorough study was made of all available 

 data, and the results of these studies Avere summarized in three reports 

 which were used b}- the department committee which had been organ- 

 ized for the puipose of assisting the Joint Commission of Agricul- 

 tural Inquiry in its investigation of this subject. 



Discontent caused by the uneven progress of deflation in the 

 various industries aroused much interest as to the final distribution 

 of the consumers' dollar and prompted inquiries as to whether any 

 particular interest in the chain of distribution was receiving an 

 excessive share for services rendered. Investigations were conducted 

 to obtain the information needed to determine the percentage distri- 

 bution of the " consumers' meat dollar," and the analysis made was 

 furnished the departmental committee appointed to assist the Joint 

 Commission of Agricultural Inquiry. 



Through cooperation with the buying and selling agencies in the 

 live-stock markets in Chicago, information is being secured and tabu- 

 lated shoAving the State origin, movement, and average weight of 

 each grade of beef steers received, together with the average price 

 paid and final disposition. Information is being tabulated also show- 

 ing 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. Plans are under way to extend this service to Omaha and 

 Kansas City. This information will become more valuable as it 

 becomes cumulati^^e, and eventually it should enable producers and 



