( 75 ) 



The least violent declines occur in the production of dairy 

 products. 



The drought of 1934 was one of the most severe in the 

 nation's history. Per capita production of food and feed 

 crops declined 24 per cent. Some of the effects of the drought 

 were felt immediately in the current production of meat; 

 but other effects were delayed until 1935. Based on which- 

 ever year was the lower, the decline in current production 

 of these highly prized foods was 15 per cent. 



Although current production declined 15 per cent, con- 

 sumption declined only 5 per cent. The drastic decline in 

 the current production was largely offset by added supplies 

 from inventories. In fact, during 1934 the consumption of 

 meat was about normal. Following the drought of 1934, in- 

 ventories declined 10 per cent, somewhat less than either 

 crop or current livestock production. The full effect of the 

 drought on both current production and consumption of the 

 highly prized foods did not occur until 1935. The liquidation 

 was practically over and consumption was dependent upon 

 current production. Both current production and consump- 

 tion were 10 per cent below the 1932-3 level. 



When crop conditions improve, current livestock produc- 

 tion increases and farmers accumulate livestock on the hoof. 

 Following the drought of 1936, there was a succession of 

 good crop years; crop production per capita increased 43 per 

 cent; and livestock products 28 per cent. In addition, farm- 

 ers stored about four months' supply of food in the form of 

 livestock on the hoof their "ever normal" granary. 



Regardless of whether there is a sharp curtailment in crop 

 production or unusually abundant haivests, current produc- 

 tion of all highly prized foods moves in the same direction. 

 Meat changes approximately in the same proportion as crop 

 production. The production of eggs and poultry changes 



