22 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



the peoples of western Europe were reestablishing their pre-war 

 normal in agricultural production, and particularly in order that 

 Ihe American farmers might be informed regarding the revival of 

 those lines of agriculture in eastern Europe which compete with 

 the American farmer on the western European markets. Detailed 

 studies have been made of the agriculture of the Danube Basin, and 

 a survey of western Europe is now in progress. Detailed reports 

 have also been made on agricultural competition and demand in 

 Argentina, Chile, and Peru. 



Representatives of the department are stationed in England and 

 Germany for the purpose of reporting on agricultural and other 

 conditions affecting the demand for farm products. These repre- 

 sentatives, through their contacts with importers of farm products, 

 with Oovernment officials who know agricultural conditions, and 

 through direct study of the agriculture of the countries in which 

 they are located, have kept the department informed by radio and 

 by cable of the important developments in foreign crop and market 

 conditions. 



Representatives of the department are sent abroad from time to 

 time to help our foreign buyers to a better understanding of the 

 United States grades and standards which form the basis of com- 

 mercial transactions in farm products exported from the United 

 States. Thus the foreign work not only provides information which 

 facilitates the better adjustment of American agriculture to world 

 conditions but services are rendered also which facilitate the mar- 

 keting of our agricultural surpluses. 



FORECASTS OP CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION. 



The value of accurate forecasts of crop and livestock production 

 can not be questioned. The more that is known of what is likely 

 to occur in the future, the more intelligently can plans be made. 

 This is particularly true regarding agricultural production, for 

 which the machinery, when once put in motion, must usually be 

 kept going throughout the season, regardless of the fact that pro- 

 duction may be greatly in excess of the demand at prices that will 

 be profitable to the producer. 



