The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-07-08
Retail Prices for Meats Not
Justified by Market Prices

Europe. suffering for fats with her
stocks of swine greatly reduced. can
consume our pork surplus readily The
beef and lamb now awaiting market
on our farms and ranges must, there
fore find it's outlet not overseas but
at home.
In 1918, for the first time In many
years, the production of meat animals
gained ground in the losing race with
growth of population. This was made
possible by the earnest and patriotic
efforts of our live stock producers. and
unless beef and lamb consumption Is
now increased to its potential maxi
mum, without needless waste, we are
in danger of throwing away the ad-
vance we have made under war pres
sure
1t is important to present the facts
the prices for live stock and
the prices for meat wholesale and re-
tail The following comparison ex-
hibits the decline in the prices of cat
tie on foot:
Gents per pound)
March /. 19I9--l3.
July i, 1919. 1200-14.So.
Decline. sl.50-s3.90.
Decline. IA per cent.
Prices on Choice On Foot at Chicago.
March /. 1919, 1s.502o.25.
July j. 1913. 4.oa-l os3u.
Decline, s4.15-$4.75.
Decline. % per cent
The alleged reason for this situation
is the stoppage of export for army use
abroad and the failure OF civilian beef
consumption to resume its normal
status. The hotel and high class fam
lilies of moderate income are eating
only cheaper cuts the price of which
must compensate in part for that OF
/ the cuts for which there 1s smaller
/ demand. The fact is evident that many
persons who desire to eat more meat
especially beef and lamb. are denying
themselves.
People do not realize that the neces-
sity for conservation of foods, especial
ly meat, no longer exists. except as a
matter of reasonable economy and
-if.+e+ention ef-slnful waste We have
in prospect the greatest wheat crop
in our history: we had in 1918 by far
the largest production of pork we ever
had. as well as a great Increase In our
beef. lamb and dairy production.
Yet one sees everywhere In hotels
restaurants and dining cars the Save
Food signs. which were such vital
influence in the successful prosecution
Of the food campaign and incidentally
the winning of the war. These Save
Food signs should now be disregard
ed. Consumers are unconscious1y
working harm to themselves and to
live stock producers by now restricting
their consumption of meat.
This situation Is reaf menace to
the farmer and TO the consuming pub
lie as well. Many cattle raised in re-
Spouse TO the demand for meat pro-
duction for the army are now matur-
ing, and IL marketed on falling mar
ket will cause heavy loss to the pro-
ducers. with the result that declining
production may be expected in the
future.
Stockmen DO not deserve to be pen
allied for their patriotism. but should
be supported by the consuming public
in an effort to restore consumption to
the normal without delay. 9
, Retail Prices Not justified.
The department is aware that much
OF the reason for the hesitation of the
average housewife to increase the
amount OF beef In the family diet IL
the excessive retail. prices which now
prevail These prices are not justified
by the wholesale quotations.