Publisher's Synopsis
A Milk Investigation
Boston, Mass.-The Committee on Agriculture of the Boston Chamber of Commerce has made an investigation of the milk industry in New England, the scope of which is suggested in the title of its report, "Investigation and Analysis of the Production, Transportation, Inspection and Distribution of Milk and Cream in New England." The study was made at the request of the New England Milk Producers' Association (an organization of about 2,000 New England farmers), in the hope that light would be thrown upon the fundamental causes for the apparent standstill in the production of milk in New England. It was conducted in cooperation with the agricultural agencies in the various New England states, the Federal Department of Agriculture assisting.
The report outlines the present conditions in each phase of the industry. An attempt is made to give the reader a mental picture of how milk and cream are produced, transported, processed, inspected, graded and distributed, including the principal costs and problems connected therewith.
In the chapter on "Suggestions and Recommendations," the authors show that a first-class product is the prime essential, and state the important factors contributing to that result. The enactment of uniform laws and regulations for grading and labeling the product is recommended, also laws giving boards of health power to issue licenses to dealers and to enforce the rules. A uniform system of buying is recommended, also the establishment of country milk stations, many of the existing evils being unavoidable in direct delivery to the car. The functions of the country milk and cream station are defined. There are suggestions in regard to the cost of plants, and for their financing and management. Improvements in farm economy and in the method of rail" road transportation are suggested. Recommendations were also made for improvements in city distribution and for more cooperation among dealers. Some methods for reducing costs and for better cost accounting are given. The wide advertising of the food value of milk and its products is recommended as one means of increasing the demand.
-"The American City," Volume 13, July, 1915.
