HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Williams, W. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Williams, W. A.

Government Supervision of Livestock Markets

U. S. Department of Agriculture

Abstract

The Packers and Stockyards Act

As a result of widespread discussion and complaint relative to the practices of the big packers and other agencies engaged in the handling and sale of livestock at public stockyards, Congress enacted the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921. The law was approved by the President August 15, 1921, and became effective immediately, although the necessary organization for its enforcement did not begin to function until about November 1, 1921.

The enforcement of the act was placed in the hands of the Secretary of Agriculture, and, in the words of Secretary Wallace:

This law brings the packinghouses, stockyards, the commission merchants and other stockyard agencies under the supervision of the Secretary of Agriculture. He can investigate the manner in which the business is conducted, examine books, subpena witnesses and require them to testify under oath. He can inquire into the way in which livestock is bought, handled, killed, and the meat marketed. He can inquire into charges by commission merchants and stockyard companies and determine whether these charges are fair and just.