AGRICULTURE, LABOR AND INDUSTRY 9 



creditors. Up to this time no action has been taken by the creditors 

 on this suggestion which was originally advanced by groups of credi- 

 tors themselves. 



Grain Inspection at Great Falls: During the period Dec. 1, 1921 

 to Nov. 20, 1922, the work of the Grain Inspection station at Great 

 Falls, and its earnings, were: 



Carloads inspected 2,378 Total $2,972.50 



Mailed samples 560 



252 at 25c 63.00 



308 at 75c 231.00 



Carloads reinspected 13 26.00 



Miscellaneous receipts 66.15 



Total Inspections 2,951 Total Fees $3,358. 6S 



Grain Scale Testing": All scales at grain elevators in Montana 

 were inspected and either approved, adjusted or "rejected this season., 

 by a very efficient force of scale men composed of the head expert, 

 who is on the work the year around, and two assistants in the field 

 four months each. This year 2,921 scales were tested, of which 212 

 were rejected, 410 adjusted and the rest approved. This work is en- 

 tirely self supporting from the fees collected. Spme trouble has arisen 

 over the fact that much grain is weighed over scales that are not at 

 elevators, and which consequently do not come within the scope of the 

 scale work of the Department as the law defines it. The law should 

 be amended to provide, at least, for the inspection of scales used for 

 weighing grain. 



Study of Grain Marketing: One result of the general economic 

 situation is evidenced by the numerous complaints over the margin of 

 profit of elevators and grain dealers that have been lodged this fall, 

 and by complaints that many advantages are possible under the Mon- 

 tana law, and are being unfairly taken by the grain trade in the 

 handling of public storage. To arrive at the facts which can then 

 establish a basis for an impartial conclusion, the Department of Agri- 

 culture is conducting at the present time an investigation of country 

 grain marketing in Montana. This is not undertaken with the idea 

 that the state can regulate the margin of profit the grain traders take; 

 no one of the United States attempts that. It is with the thought that 

 the study will provide a basis of fact rather than hearsay for consider- 

 ation of the whole subject of grain marketing. Two of the phases of 

 the study are: (1) public hearings held by the Chief of the Grain 

 Division in conjunction with the office of the Attorney General, where 

 specific rather than general conditions are presented, and where sug- 

 gestions may be secured that will be incorporated in the wider quiet 

 investigation; and (2) tabulation of confidential statements or audits 

 showing buying and selling figures for a representative period of time 

 this season, secured from a number of elevators selected because of 

 geographical situation and because they are known to operate under 

 varying competitive conditions. 



Federal Grades Inadequate: The existence and use generally by 

 the grain trade in Montana of sub-classifications that are not recog- 

 nized in the Federal wheat grades has brought about complications 

 that may easily be made to work to the disadvantage of the farmers 

 who store wheat. This can be partially overcome by requiring that all 

 grain storage tickets accurately describe factors and qualities of the 

 grain stored that go to fix its commercial value. This the official 

 grades should do, but as now applied to Montana they do not always 

 run parallel to the un-official factors upon which the trade bases its 

 price. To apply beyond the state borders, it is necessary that such 

 grades be adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture. In 

 effect, what is sought is the establishment of grades of wheat based 



