BUREAU OF MARKETS. 537 



associations. It does not engage in general propaganda calculated 

 to induce the formation of such associations, but. when it is apparent 

 that cooperative effort is needed to overcome abuse, remedy ineffi- 

 ciency, or supply a recognized need, it suggests to producers the ad- 

 visability of considering the formation of a cooperative organization, 

 shows them how such organizations are formed and conducted, and 

 explains to them the principles that must be observed in order to be 

 successful. 



Reduction in funds. — During the fiscal year 1920 the total appro- 

 priations available to the Bureau of Markets were $2,911,365, the 

 sum carried in the appropriation bill being supplemented by an allot- 

 ment of $100,000 from the funds of the wheat price guaranty Act for 

 enforcing the amendments to the cotton futures Act provided for 

 thereunder. The funds available during the previous fiscal year, 1919 

 (exclusive of the appropriation of $10,000,000 for the purchase of 

 nitrate of soda) were $4,312,863, of which $2,023,255 was carried in 

 the appropriation act for the Department of Agriculture, $2,004,608 

 in the food production Act, and $285,000 (allotted for the stockyards 

 supervision work) in the President's special fund for national secu- 

 rity and defense. On account of the discontinuance of war funds, the 

 bureau began the fiscal 3'ear 1920 with a reduction in available appro- 

 priations of $1,401,498, and the necessary readjustments were made 

 both in the lines cf work and in assignment of the personnel. 



A large number of resignations among our most competent 

 workers, many of whom left the service to accept flattering com- 

 mercial offers took place during the year. The fact that the estab- 

 lished work "has been well maintained and that the very satisfactory 

 progress evidenced by this report was possible is a distinct indication 

 of the ability, loyalty, and tireless industry of those who remained 

 witli the bureau during this trying period. 



Divisional organization. — During the fiscal year the various proj- 

 ects of the bureau were grouped into a number of divisions, and the 

 work of each will be discussed in the following pages. 



DIVISION OF LIVE STOCK, MEATS, AND WOOL. 



The work of the Division of Live Stock, Meats, and Wool was 

 supervised by Mr. Louis D, Plall until his resignation early in the 

 calendar year. Mr. Hall was succeeded by Mr. Stephen Bray, who 

 as division leader supervised the following work : 



Investigations concerning the marketing of live stock, meats, and 

 wool. 



Market news service on live stock and meats. 



Supervision of stockyards. 



MARKETING LIVE STOCK, MEATS, AND WOOL, 



Investigations concerning the marketing of live stock, meats, and 

 wool were conducted under the supervision of Messrs. Turner R. H. 

 Wright, C. V. Whalin, and George T. Willingmyre. 



The preparation of data regarding comparative costs and yields 

 of the various wholesale cuts of beef has been undertaken and con- 

 tinued stud}' has been made of the problems involved in marketing 

 country hides and skins. Reports received from tanners and dealers 



24435— AGR 1920 35 



