Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-28
SHARP INCREASE EXPECTED.
lin RETAIL PRICE OF milk
Dairymen Cannot Obtain Labor to
slssiS Harvest Crops OF Cat
tic Feed.
swoRKsfEN GO TO cANToNMENTs
High Wages Paid by Contractors De-
pletcs Farms-Aiany Dairymen
81 Converting Their Herds Into Beef
and Retiring at Good Profit.

pletcS FarmS-Nfany Dairymen
81 Converting Their Herds Into Beef
and Retiring at Good Profit.
lgrUnless there is sharp increase In
the price of milk in Richmond at once.
this, city's supply will be seriously
threatened during the next few months,
according to the views of many dairy
mon, expressed last night ut confer
ehce of the directors of the Milk Pro-
darers' Association of Richmond which
iSEcomposed OF dairymcn in Henrco
and adjoining counties, with the, dis
tributors of this city. The statement:
was made at the meeting that milk is
now being sold at less than it's produce
tion cost, and that because of the
steadily increasing prices OF all food
stuffs and the inability of the farmers
to,'sharvest their crops. many herds
Supplying Richmond are being depict
e6; and converted into beef
Producers and distributors discussed
the problem confronting them at
lsnSth last night, realizing the serious
ness of the situation. They were. how
ever, unable to arrive at any definite
solution other than that n substantial
Increase in prices would be necessary
* the producers are to remain in bust
ness. For this reason the matter will
be placed before the entire mem bersh ip
Of the producers association in the
next few days for any action that it
may take. The directors will report the
result Of their inquiry Into conditions.
but probably will not recommend any
definite action by the association.
SHORTAGE OF FARM LABOR
$50 is SERIOUS PROBLEM
Many factors are said to be rcspon-
sible for the situation in Richmond.
Probably one Of the greatest is the
shortage of farm labor, which has de-
creased to almost nothing since work
was, started on the numerous army
camps and environments in Virginia
Farmers and dairymen find it almost
impossible to secure labor of any de-
scription, and that which is available is
offthe most inferior kind. AS a result,
producers are ready to start harvesting
their crops. but this work will be inn
possible for lack Of labor.
s.s.Because of the high price of supplies
the dairymen have been forced to the
conclusion that 1t would be n far better
business proposition to dispose of their
herds at this time, when beef cattle is
bringing unusually high prices, than
to- attempt to feed them through the
winter months. With great difficulty
being experienced in harvesting crops
many are OF the opinion that to con-
tinue in business under present con-
ruptcy, and for that reason the herds
arc becoming smaller and smaller.
~ Distributors increased the price they
Were paying to the farmers last De-
cember, and the retail price of the pro-
duct was advanced at the same time.
This action at that time was necessary
because Of the abnormally high prices
prevailing for practically every COM
modify used by them. Prices have adj
vanced during the past year from so
TO, so per cent, while there has been
only: slight increase in the production
revenues OF the dairymen, it was said.
Both the farmers and the distributors
have suffered alike, with the ratio of
increased costs running almost equally
In both branches of the industry.
HAVE NO DESIRE TO
N@ EORCE UP PRICE OF MILK
Producers last night laid stress on
the fact that there was no desire on
their part to force higher prices from
any one, but that the greatest consid-
GRAFTON must be given the problem, and
some remedy must be found 10 meet the
situation. They added that Richmonds
supply would not be curtailed until
the last possible moment, declaring
that every drop OF milk that is pro-
duced will be brought to this city. and
that dairymen will do their best TO
overcome conditions The cooperation
of consumers, however, is sought by
them in this connection.
,Farmers of Henrico County are ready
to'make silaGe for the winter, IL was
stated last night, but are unable to
secure the necessary labor. AS an il
lustration, il was pointed out that the
dairymen who paid Sl.40 per day and
board for farm help last year are now
Offering $3.50 per day without result
Practically all farm help has fiocked
to the various environments. where ex-
eeedingly high prices are being paid
for unskilled labor.
One farmer said that small negro
boy who had been working for him,
carrying water, was now doing the
same work at Camp Lee. near Peters
burg, and was earning SIS per week
Other negro help, he said, was going
TO the camp TO work on SUNDAYS when
they made $40 for the single day and
We're returning to their homes that
night That farmers cannot competn
with such conditions is apparent but
crops are wasting in the fields MANY
OF the crops are far above normal this
year because OF the urgent apncal made
by the Federal government in the
spring for increased acreage
u while the only solution for the prob
rem round last night At the conference
OF producers and consumers was n shorn
increase In the price of milk the fact
remains, II was said, that the produc-
ing herds are already much smaller
than usual, and no attempt Is being
made to replenish them. The situation
Is such. however. that definite action 10
expected TO be taken by the PRODUCERS
association in the next few DAYS
sp1lT