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 ‘‘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—14; 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. 
