‘Pk RURAL NEW-YORKER 
989 
A Meeting of the New Milk Committee 
T HE third meeting of the Milk Committee of 
Fifteen, which was created to stop the price 
warfare between the groups, with the purpose of 
stabilizing the milk market on a fair price to pro¬ 
ducers, opened on the morning of June 30 at the 
Utica Hotel, Utica, N. Y., with a resolution by 
Charles H. Tuck, one of the Dairymen’s League 
representatives. The resolution among other things 
renewed Mr. Tuck’s suggestion of a previous meet¬ 
ing to request Prof. George F. Warren to make an 
investigation of the milk needs of the metropolitan 
district and general conditions. It also provided 
that the groups report the form of their organiza¬ 
tion, methods of sale, amount of business and cer¬ 
tified membership roll during each of the past three 
years. Mr. Tuck’s motion to adopt it was not sec¬ 
onded during the morning session but these and 
other features were discussed. 
The afternoon session was opened by a renewal 
of his motion by Mr. Tuck. It was seconded by Mr. 
Thompson, also one of the League delegates. The 
discussions repeated objections on the ground that 
the whole resolution contained statements expressed 
as facts which had not been proven, and which 
were disputed; that sufficient facts were known to 
enable the committee to proceed, and that for all 
practical purposes the information gathered by in¬ 
vestigations was more or less out of date before 
available. The procedure seemed most encouraging 
when Mr. Tuck, assisted by other suggestions, at¬ 
tempted to eliminate most of the matter other than 
the above provisions. Some of the members, how¬ 
ever, had not seen the resolution in writing, and a 
resolution was adopted to hold it over for action 
at the next meeting. 
During the discussion three speeches by visiting 
dairymen seemed especially to interest the commit¬ 
tee and guests. The first of these was Mr. C. 
F. Bigler, of the IIolstein-Friesian Association. 
He said he had been among milk producers and 
breeders in various parts of the State, and wanted 
to tell what their feelings are, and what he heard 
them say. In some sections there Avas talk to the 
effect that a part of the committee might pull out 
and leave everything in the air. Better not do it. 
Again, farmers say the dealers are making more 
money than ever before, while the producer gets 
♦ 
relatively less than ever before. Farmers, he said, 
complain of waste and extravagance around the 
plants and elsewhere. They complain that skim-milk 
is thrown in the brooks and ditches, when it has a 
Aalue and should be utilized. Breeders and dairy¬ 
men, he said, Avere looking to the committee to do 
something practical and helpful. They are looking 
primarily for a better price. If action is taken by 
the committee that does not suit one group or an¬ 
other, that group should not withdraw but stick to it 
until the Avox-k is accomplished. 
Harry Culver of Dutchess County, one of the 
League directors, was the second speaker of prefer¬ 
ence. He said that if the heads of the associations 
AAere big enough the present condition in the dairy 
business could be overcome. The business required 
plan and efficiency. When a surplus occurred, some 
one must handle it, but there are times when leaders 
must scratch to get milk enough to supply their 
dealei's. It is not a pi’oblem of raising the price en¬ 
tirely, but to build an organization to sell. He related 
the experience of a little territory near him which 
Avas so well organized that farmers were able to 
contract to sell a definite amount of milk for $3.95 
per 100 lbs. When farmers produce more than their 
specified amount they are docked three cents per 
quart, and the men who xnake the regular supply 
share in the fund created by the three cents penalty. 
He said all dairymen are sinking today in the same 
sea in different boats. All should get into one boat 
and pull on the same oar. 
E. W. McNamara of Herkimer County was the 
other visitor avIio interested those present. He said 
he was the fourth in the line of succession in the 
ownership of a dairy farm covering a period of G9 
years, and the $2,000 mortgage placed on it by his 
great-gi’andfather remained on it still. Every farmer 
in his neighboi'hood had to borrow money under pres¬ 
ent conditions to meet obligations. What fanners 
wanted now was not resolutions. They would like 
to see the committee get down to brass tacks and 
find a way to get more money for milk. 
In response to an intimation from Chairman Bur¬ 
den, Mr. Dillon briefly outlined his suggestion that 
all the groups form a board by selecting one from 
each group, this board to have the sale of all xnilk. 
It would sell disti'ibuters their requirements of liquid 
milk under cor^rvct. This would preserve the metro¬ 
politan market for New York milk territory 
and exclude outside milk. The dealer would have 
no concern about sxxrplus. 
After the requirements of the dealer for liquid 
milk are satisfied the remainder, if any, is the sur¬ 
plus. The duty of the joint board would then be 
to sell the surplus for manufacturing purposes, or 
manufacture it in farm-owned plants. He did not 
offer it as a motion, but as a suggestion. It was 
ordered to be spread on the minutes for future con¬ 
sideration. 
When Mi\ Tuck’s motion was disposed of, S. A. 
Piczczek of Newport, one of the independent dele¬ 
gates, offered a resolution which when amended by 
Mr. Newton of Buffalo read as follows: 
“Resolved, That this committee urgently recom¬ 
mends that the members of the groups request their 
execixtive committees to xise their best endeavors to 
obtain an increased base price for Class 1 milk on 
and after July 10, 1924.” 
When the original resolution was read, Mi". Bxir- 
den at once asked the committee to elect another 
chairman, declaring that he could not remain in the 
chair if the qxxestion of price was to be discxissed. 
It was then Mr. Newton proposed the amendment, 
but the amendment did not change Mr. Burden’s 
purpose. He had said earlier that he was present as 
an individual, and could not bind the Leagxxe. He 
referred to a cilticism that had appealed in the 
Non-pool paper, and said he could not remain Avitlx 
self-respect. When urged to remain and vote against 
the resolution he declined and said he had recently 
been elected a director of the League, which Avas all 
the more reason why he could not continue either as 
chaii’inan or member of the committee. He said the 
League AA-as just as anxious to raise the price as 
anyone, and woxxld do so when it coxild. When it 
raised the pxuce last year, outside milk came into 
the market, and the same thing could happen again. 
Roscoe Sargent of Sandy Ci’eek, one of the Eastern 
States group, was elected chairman, and Mr. Bur¬ 
den took a seat in the audience. 
A resolution expressing confidence in Mr. Bur¬ 
den, thanking him for his services and expressing 
regret for his resignation Avas unanimously adopted. 
When the resolution referring to price increase 
came up again, Mr. Txxck made a brief bxxt heated 
statement, and referred to the opposition as affiliated 
with the milk dealers. The Avhole League delega¬ 
tion then withdrew. 
Mr. Benjamin A. Capron, however, a League visi¬ 
tor, remained and made an appeal to vote down the 
resolution. He said the committee knew John D. 
Miller gave notice that League xnembers Avould re- . 
sign if the committee again took up pi’ice recommen¬ 
dations. Therefore by deliberately pressing a vote 
on the resolution it would cause the League to sever 
its connection Avith the committee. He spoke of 
the loyalty of the League members, and instanced 
his own case, saying he sacrificed $1,000 in income 
in two years by remaining in the pool. He made 
an earnest talk, and while interrupted by some in 
a hurry to get home, he closed, good-naturedly, and 
remained until the meeting adjourned to meet again 
on July 14. 
Protection For Thieving Pheasants 
HERE has been considerable complaint from 
farmers this year about pheasants scratching 
up and eating the sprouted seed of peas or corn. 
Some farmers think the law will permit them to 
shoot and kill the birds Avhen caught in the act. The 
following statement from the Rochester Democrat 
and Chronicle shows that the bii-ds are protected: 
Pheasants who eat sprouted corn and other Spring 
crops do not thereby forfeit the protection of the State 
game laws, and farmers who shoot these birds, even in 
defense of their newly planted fields, are likely to find 
themselves in trouble with the game wardens, inspector 
F. W. Hamilton, in charge of the game protectors of the 
Conservation Commission, announced yesterday. 
Inspector Hamilton declared that he has had many 
inquiries from farmers who have been troubled with 
the pheasants’ appetite for newly sprouted grain. Many 
believe, he said, that the birds may be shot if they are 
destroying crops, and if the bodies are not picked up. 
The game laws expressly state, however, that the law 
forbids one to shoot, or even to shoot at, a pheasant 
during the closed season. Farmers who are troubled by 
the pheasants eating their crops must find some remedy 
other than the shotgun, the inspector said. 
Inspector Hamilton also warned anglers not to for¬ 
get that the length of certain varieties of fish is vitally 
important. The carrying of a tape measure, although 
not absolutely required by State statute, may save many 
dollars to the careful fisherman, he said. 
Figuring Cost of Production 
I think one of the most serviceable moves The R. 
N.-Y. could make would be a campaign to show the 
farmer how to figure the costs of production. A few 
months ago a neighbor told me he was clearing $11 a 
day with milk. After a few questions I found he was 
getting about $28 a week above feed and hired labor, 
and paying insurance and depreciation out of that. 
Another farmer told me that half his milk check waa 
profit. If he knew how r to figure his expenses he would 
find most of his clear gain comes from an entirely dif¬ 
ferent source. It seems to me that if these men had 
some simple system by which they could figure costs it 
might prevent some of them from over-loading markets 
in order to handle an amount of money that leaves lit¬ 
tle if any profit after all necessary expenses are al- 
loAved. While a few are content to have the honor of 
taking in and paying out the money regardless of pi’ofit, 
it results in many cases in an over-production which 
preA r ents others who do count costs from making the 
profit they are entitled to. daixxyman. 
Duties of a School Trustee 
Let me suggest that your answer to D. C. W. in 
regard to the duty of school trustees, insofar as it re¬ 
lates to employment of teachers, is not in harmony 
with the instructions contained in the University of the 
State of New York Bulletin No. 796, dated January 15, 
1924, under title of “Contracts with Teachers,” page 
4. It reads as follows: 
“The first duty that devolves upon the sole trustee 
of a common school district is the employment of a 
teacher or teachers for the following school year. Im¬ 
mediately after his election on the fii'st Tuesday in 
May the trustee-elect should consult with the district 
superintendent and see his recommendation of compe¬ 
tent teachers. Teachei-s may not be paid less than $20 
a week.” m. c. P. 
The answer to D. C. W. is absolutely correct, for it 
follows the educational law outlining the duties of 
school trustees generally. The bulletin in question rec¬ 
ommends that the trustee consult with the district 
superintendent; the reason is that the superintendent is 
in a position to know where good teachers can be ob¬ 
tained. There i« a minimum price to be paid to teach¬ 
ers, but this varies according to the grade of the 
school and the size of the city where the school is situ¬ 
ate. Trustees receive instructions from the Educa¬ 
tional Department relative to compensation, teachers’ 
retirement fund, etc., and the article in question was 
intended to cover the trustees’ duties as a general prop¬ 
osition. N. S. 
“School Trustees; His Powers and Duties,” page 905. 
My sympathy goes out to D. C. W. He need not ac¬ 
cept his election as a compliment. The compliment 
comes all fi*om him. He is doing a great favor to his 
“district.” Let him create confidence through his effi¬ 
ciency, and let him have a care that he does not abuse 
that confidence. But it is “up to him” to know the 
law and to see that it is carried out. 
Tell him to write to the University of the State of 
New Yoi-k, Albany, N. Y., and request them to send 
him the following pamphlets: “Education Law,” (as 
amended to date), No 782; “Law Pamphlet No. 1,” 
School Buildings, Sites and School District Bonds, No. 
76(5; “School Buildings and Grounds,” No. 720 (Law, 
rules, regulations). I advise him thoroughly to fa¬ 
miliarize himself with the contents of these articles, 
and the application of the same. As to out-buildings, I 
refer him to Section 457 of law, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 
4, and also page 8 of the “Law Pamphlet No. 1.” As 
to ordinary repairs, I refer him to Section 275, sub. 
14, of the law, also page 18 of “Law Pamphlet No. 1.” 
As to water facilities, I refer him to the “Law, Rules 
and Regulation Pamphlet,” page 28, vol. 720. 
8. AVH.X.XAM I5IUSCOE. 
Over 8 Per Cent Butterfat 
I am inclosing a clipping from our county paper re¬ 
garding a heifer I have. I noticed someone alluded to 
a cow that had given 7 per cent of butterfat. I would 
like to know what is the highest percentage you know 
of. I had turned the heifer out to pasture; was not feed¬ 
ing any heavy feed. t. ii. chaxk. 
Maryland. 
The clipping is as follows: 
“Dairymen who are weary from milking large quan¬ 
tities in order to get a fair supply of butterfat should 
motor down to see a heifer owned by Mr. T. II. Chalk, 
of near Aberdeen. Mr. Chalk reports that the heifer 
freehned on April 17, and on May 17 a sample of her 
milk was sent to the Baltimore City Laboratory for test¬ 
ing, and the report came back 8.20. Quite naturally 
Mr. Chalk believes he has the highest testing cow in the 
county, and is wondering how close others can come to 
her record. Two or three cows such as this should 
bring in a milk check equal to that of the average small 
herd.” 
There certainly is very little chalk and water about 
that milk, and no such aid from a bag of cream as 
“Charlies Cole” gave to those Holstein cows. We 
have seen several claims for milk which tested more than 
8 per cent fat, but do not have the figures at hand. 
A Curious Farm Situation 
I have just returned from a vacation in Central 
Northern Michigan ; found the farm situation very 
serious. Many farms are being abandoned because 
farmers cannot make expenses. Taxes are high, prices 
of general farm crops are low, and wages in the auto¬ 
mobile factories are high. The young men will not stay 
on the farm, and the older men cannot make a living 
except by the strictest economy. I had a farm of 160 
aci-es, half cleared, good buildings, offered me if I would 
pay the taxes in lieu of rent. Hundreds of farms are 
being sold for taxes. I bought an 80 adjoining mine at 
the tax sale. 
Although the farm situation in general is so bad 
some lines of farming never paid better. This part of 
the State is excellent grazing land, and the cut-over 
lands will carry one sheep per acre easily. I am trying 
to finance a sheep proposition on my farm. I now have 
280 acres, well watered, high and dry. On account of 
the depressed conditions I cannot borrow on my land as 
security at local banks. They are loaded up with farm 
paper. The Federal farm loan people will no doubt feel 
the effects of this depression, so cannot expect help 
there. The new intermediate credit banks do not func¬ 
tion much yet, so am at a loss to know where to go. 
When one can buy or rent land for 50 cents an acre, 
there never was so good an opportunity for profit. 
F. W. C. 
