THE ECONOMIC FACTORS 149 



Under the system of regulation by minimum, which 

 has thus far been considered, it is clear that the price 

 of milk normally takes a single level which corresponds, 

 roughly, to the average cost of production. The poorest 

 qualities of milk cannot be sold; on the other hand, 

 qualities better than the average (with the exception 

 of certified milk, where sold) bring no added price and 

 there is no economic incentive to produce them.* 



In a recent discussion of the milk situation in Ver- 

 mont the Commissioner of Agriculture of that State, 

 Hon. E. S. Brigham, 13 mentioned three ways in which 

 the situation might be improved : 



1. The limitation of the requirements of health boards to 

 those things which are necessary to safeguard the public 

 health. 



2. The payment for milk on a basis which will make a 

 distinction in price between good milk and poor milk. 



3. The securing for the producer of a price which will en- 

 able him to make a reasonable profit in his business. 



Continuing his discussion of the economic question, 

 the Commissioner made the plain statement, based on 

 some analysis of figures, " I have yet to be shown where 

 the shipping of milk, under present conditions, is of 

 any value to our Vermont dairyman. " Referring to the 

 fact that the milk contractor will pay no more than 

 he has to, the speaker advocated concerted action by 

 the farmers in order to command higher prices. In 

 regard to the second of the propositions quoted, the 

 Commissioner asserted that, in accordance with the 



* This condition may, of course, be modified by official publicity 

 regarding qualities of milks. Such publicity is not, however, very 

 effective except under special conditions. Cf. p. 115. 



