28 THE AGRICULTURAL BLOC 



slightly, as did the number of mules. Milch 

 cows increased in numbers considerably, other 

 cattle the greatest of all, and swine to an even 

 greater extent than the larger animals. Sheep 

 alone declined in numbers. 



The increase in exports of animal products 

 from pre-war average to 1918 was a striking 

 feature of the situation. Beef of all forms was 

 exported during the period of 1910-1914 to the 

 extent of 220,000,000 pounds, while in 1918 ex- 

 ports were over 502,000,000. Pork and lard ex- 

 ports during the pre-war period amounted to 

 about 900,000,000 pounds, while in 1918 the total 

 was more than 1,900,000,000. Our exports of 

 condensed milk alone increased from a pre-war 

 average of around 15,000,000 pounds to 530,000,- 

 000 pounds in 1918. 



The war began to affect agriculture first 

 through the withdrawal of surplus farm labor 

 which was attracted to the war industries by the 

 rapidly increasing wages that were offered. 

 When we entered the war it was already clear 

 that the increased program of production re- 

 quired of the farmers would call for an unusual 

 amount of farm labor. There immediately fol- 

 lowed the organization by the Government of 

 campaigns to secure for food production men 



