Evening star., 1959-06-28


savings methods. such as equip
ment that will unload a 400-case
truckload Of eggs in four minutes.
Commercial producers can
weather low prices longer than the
traditional farmers because the
former have greater financial re-
sources.
Characterization Of egg pro-
duction began Just four years ago
in Kansas. The trend has accel-
Grated so greatly within the last
l8 months that Agriculture De-
partment experts estimate that 10
per cent Of the Nations egg pro-
ducers are now commercialized.
They are following the growers OF
chickens fused for meat, who are
now 90 per cent commercialized.
Tremendous Impoet
Adjustment was easier in chick
ems. however, because the change
took place gradually over a period
Of IS to 20 years. Agriculture De-
partment experts expect the i'm
pact on eggs to be tremendous
within three or four years.
Already the upheaval has been
great. The cries of the producers
being hurt by the evolution are
being heard both by Congress
and by Secretary of Agriculture
Benson. Some have claimed losses
Of as much as 10 cents on every
dozen eggs.
Because Of pressure both from
the producers and from Con-
gress Secretary Benson reluc-
family began purchasing dried
eggs in move to bolster market
prices. When the cries persisted
he announced he would buy frozen
eggs. These he will dry and sell
later when there is q market for
them.
Mr.. Benson also held a special
conference In Washington with
egg merchandisers in an effort to
improve their methods. In addi-
ton he promised that the Agri-
culture Department will not re-
fuse loan extensions to egg pro-
ducers whenever there is a rea-
sonable chance Of repayment.
Mr.. Benson's stepping into the
egg situation, Of course, is highly
controversial. Some people say
he should stay out and let the
law Of supply and demand take
its course. Others say he isn't
doing enough. They want long
range measures to prevent a re-
currence Of the present situation.
Quite few want him to use his
authority to support the prices
Of eggs. Some want him to con-
troll production and marketing
under authority Of the Marketing
Act.
The Agriculture Secretary, how
ever. remembers the millions Of
dollars worth Of eggs which rotted
in the 40's as a result Of the sup
port price purchase program. 1t
is to prevent q recurrence Of this
that he has resolved not to buy
shell eggs and only those dried
and frozen eggs for which he can
find spots. He does not feel pro-
duction and marketing controls
would be advisable or workable.
Amount Of Production
Mr.. Benson seriously considered
buying hens but turned down the
idea. He felt this would be i'm
practical. For one thing, farmers
can increase production per
chicken at will through feeding.
This means it would be possible
to get these same amount of eggs
from a smaller number of hens.
The commercialization of egg
production is perfectly legal.
That's what the Justice Depart
ment told the Agriculture Sub
committee of the House Small
Business Committee after being
asked to look into the matter.
Now the same committee has
asked the Federal Trade Com
mission to see If any unfair re-
straints Of trade is involved.
Though the commission has not
yet replied 1t plans to answer in
the negative.
Congress does not appear dis
posed to pass any acts to outlaw
commercialization. Some mem
bers of the House, however, are
turning an attentive ear to pleas
for action along .other lines.
Within the last few days bills
have been introduced which would
control production and the mar
keting Of eggs. Because of the
reluctant Mr.. Benson these meas
ures would direct rather than
merely authorize action. @
On June II and 1S the Dairy