THE MILK SUPPLY OF CHICAGO 179 



sign a contract for six months with each individual farmer 

 for his supply during these months. 



ORGANIZATION 



The farmers in the Chicago district are members of the 

 Milk Producers Association. This Association came into 

 prominence about two years ago, although previous to that 

 time local organizations existed of very little importance to 

 the industry as a whole. Since the organization of this Asso- 

 ciation, numerous strikes or boycotts have been instituted 

 on the part of the farmers over the price question, resulting 

 in partial milk famines in the city. During the winter of 

 1917-1918, this matter became so serious that the United States 

 Food Administration started an inquiry to determine the cost 

 of production and distribution, in an effort to establish a just 

 and equitable price to the farmer and likewise to the consumer. 



The producers refused to abide by the findings of the Com- 

 mission and instituted a boycott or l ' strike ' '. The State Food 

 Administrator called another conference establishing a price 

 satisfactory to the producers. 



The drivers of the milk delivery wagons are well organized 

 in the Milk Wagon Drivers Union. Their organization regu- 

 lates the hours of labor and wages of its members. The wages 

 are fixed at $21.00 and $22.00 per week, in addition to a com- 

 mission of six-tenths cents per point over 1,333-% points sold 

 per week or about 191 points per day. They are also entitled 

 to two weeks' vacation every year with pay. 



There exists also an organization known as the Milk Dealers 

 Association, its purpose being to promote the welfare of the 

 milk industry, especially as regards distribution. Local condi- 

 tions have made it possible for a firm of milk brokers to 

 develop. This firm serves to establish an equilibrium between 

 supply and demand. If a farmer or group of farmers wish 

 to dispose of their milk at some outlying point, the broker en- 

 deavors to find a market and also if a dealer in the city has 

 an over-supply the broker will also make an attempt to remedy 

 this condition. 



