The accompanying chart provides for an executive board, to be chosen from the board of directors from its own membership, the number to be held to workable size, forming an executive group of 7, 9, or 11.

A further means of attaining close integration of these important agencies into the overall program is embodied in the following suggestion: namely, that the Beef Council, the Swine Council, the feeder organizations, and the national sheep organization, each create an advisory committee to function solely on the meat promotion program. These advisory committees would have free access to the executive board of the National Livestock Council, and would confer with the latter body at any time it is in regular session.

It might be further provided in the bylaws that the membership of the executive board of the National Meat Council should be formed as nearly as possible in accordance with the importance on a value basis of each species of livestock.

This system of representation would provide each group with the necessary safeguards to insure fairness to its constituency. The best assurance of adequate control, sound administration, wise use of funds, and effective results from every dollar expended lies in the selection of an executive board composed of high-type, capable, public-spirited producers-men who are not interested either in a job, political advancement, or financial gain from the program-but who are willing to give of their time and effort to this undertaking for one fundamental reason. That reason is that they believe in it and are convinced that its successful operation will result in great benefit to the livestock producers of this country.

We have seen some men of this character in operation over the past 2 or 3 years, men who have devoted almost their entire time to the development of livestock producer organizations-without receiving any salary and, at the same time, paying their own expenses. We have seen other men devoting their time and effort, on the same public-spirited basis, to the improvement of quality in hogs, cattle, and sheep, as well as to many other activities which redound to the benefit of the livestock industry and to agriculture as a whole. They are the type of men who believe that merely because a job has never been done before is not a valid reason why it cannot be done now.

In a very real sense, the success of this program hinges upon the kind of job we do of placing its control in the hands of men of the character just described. The board of directors and, more especially, the executive board, will make or break this program. It lies within their power to make this program a living, pulsating, dynamic undertaking.

Certain other specific provisions must be written into the constitution and bylaws as safeguards to existing agencies. The National Livestock and Meat Board should, at the outset, receive a written guaranty assuring them of as much financial support as they now receive, and preferably 2 or 3 times as much, if they desire it and are in a position to use it. It would seem much sounder, however, to place this on a basis of dollar amounts (within certain limits), than to place the amount on a basis of percentage of funds collected.

Likewise, adequate funds for the National Beef Council, National Swine Council, and the national sheep organization should be provided for in the bylaws of the National Meat Council, for these worthy groups have definite and important functions to perform. Specific, definite provisions can be made in a manner which will assure these groups of continued activity and expansion in line with their needs and contributions to their respective constituency and to the livestock industry as a whole.

In like manner, adequate provision can and should be made for the operating of the State programs-cattle associations, swine producers' associations, and sheep producer groups, in such overall activities as are necessary to maintain producer interest at a high level, provide for an expanding educational program among producers along the lines of quality improvement, production planning, marketing practices, management, and other factors designed to assist producers in improving their own position, and contributing to the common good.

It seems appropriate to repeat again that the key to the success of this entire program lies in the effectiveness with which we staff the executive board with a small group of capable, high-type men, whose ability and integrity are unquestioned, and in whom we as producer members have absolute confidence. With this type of men in control, we submit to you that it is not sound to tie their hands with close restrictions as to administration of the program and, particularly, as to the allocation of funds. In fact, because of our meager information and in the absence of studies of the problems involved, we are not at this time in position to even suggest a wise allocation of funds. Would it not, therefore, be better to give considerable latitude and freedom of action to that

we have sought and shall continue to seek. ever changes in representation are needed to accomplish the objectives which results desired? If they fail to do this, it is our responsibility to make whatthereby evolve a program which will be sound, efficient, and productive of the wise inform themselves with reference to the administration of this effort, and they, as our chosen representatives, will make studies, experiment, and otherbody, the executive board, with the understanding and full expectation that

*Much of the work in this field is now being successfully performed by the NATIONAL LIVESTOCK AND MEAT BOARD: and it is suggested that if this organization is agreeable, it continue its work under the proposed organization with necessary additions to its program.

**Problems which might be handled by this department are -- classfying and grading af livestock, margins, producer education, and public relations between producers and cooperating groups,

***These functions can be performed most effectively by the National and State Livestock organizations Beef Council, Swine Council, feeder groups, and livestock producer associations,

Mr. FULK. George M. Strayer, Hudson, Iowa. He is executive vice president and secretary-treasurer, American Soybean Association. Mr. POAGE. Who is left in Iowa to plant the crop, may I ask? [Laughter.]

Mr. FULK. He will be here. He may want to testify for just a minute.

J. M. Clark, Calhoun, Ky., president of the Kentucky Purebred Livestock Association.

I know he has a statement to file. (The statement is as follows:)

STATEMENT OF J. M. CLARK, CALHOUN, KY., PRESIDENT, KENTUCKY PUREBRED LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION

The Kentucky Purebred Livestock Association, comprising approximately 2,500 paid farmer members producing improved livestock and vitally interested in the expanded production and improved marketing of quality meat, endorses in principle the aims of the proposed legislation to permit a self-help, farmerfinanced research and promotion program for meat-one of Kentucky's most important farm products.

It is our thought that it would not be practical to allot funds to each species in each State. We feel that funds should be sent to a national organization, such as the National Livestock and Meat Board, comprised of representatives of all segments of the livestock industry.

In any event, we feel that such a plan must be voluntary, and that livestock producers should be permitted to raise funds to promote and encourage increased use and appreciation of their products, as producers of other farm commodities are already enabled to do.

Mr. FULK. Robert Sanders, from Lousiana. I think he had to go home.

J. R. Ferguson, extension specialist, College Park, Md., secretary, Maryland Swine Producers Association, extension specialist, University of Maryland, secretary-treasurer, Maryland Stockmen's Association, and director, Maryland Sheep Breeders Association.

He may want to file a statement.

Amos R. Meyer, College Park, Md. He is director, Maryland Swine Producers Association, executive secretary, Maryland Beef Cattle Producers Association, director, Eastern National Livestock and Spring Hog Show.

He may want to file a statement.

A. E. Holtforth, farmer, Fenton, Mich. He is president, Michigan Livestock Improvement Association, director of the Michigan Swine Breeders Association, director of the Chester White Association, and chairman of the Livingston County Farm Bureau Livestock Committee.

He may

file a statement.

William Palmer, hog farmer, Parma, Mich., Michigan Livestock Improvement Association, Michigan Swine Breeders Association, and Michigan Yorkshire Breeders Association.

He will file a statement.

(The statement is as follows:)

STATEMENT OF WILLIAM PALMER, PARMA, MICH.

I am William Palmer of Parma, Mich. I have been sent here to Washington by the Michigan Livestock Improvement Association, a group which represents the three classes of livestock; namely, beef, sheep, and swine.

I want to emphasize the fact that I am here representing no lobby group or pressure group, but an organization of some 1,000 dirt farmers of Michigan who are dedicated to do whatever we can to promote and improve our products.

I myself, own and operate 360 acres, producing cattle, sheep, and swine, and my sole income is derived from the farm. At our annual meeting held the first of this month, the organization went on record unanimously supporting the Senate bill 646 and the House bill 3749, which will make it possible for farmers to participate in the self-help livestock and meat promotion program. In requesting the passage of this bill in question, all we are asking from you gentlemen is to give us permission to help ourselves. When you think of it, it actually seems rather queer that a group of citizens who have had it pretty tough for the past few years, who have gotten together and decided to spend some of their own money to help remedy their own troubles, should have to get permission to do so. From what I have read and heard of the groups that have been coming down here for the past several years, you must admit at least, that we are novel.

If this bill should be passed, and a checkoff system were to be put into effect, there would be money available to the various States, and I imagine the first thought that would come to your mind would be, what would we do with it. After going over the many uses this money could be used for, the Michigan Livestock Improvement Association decided that I should pick just one to discuss; namely, Disease Control in Swine. I might have had some influence in their decision as I had just purchased 100 head of feeder pigs that developed necro, and within 10 days 21 of them were dead and several stunted so badly that they will never show a profit. I bring this personal experience into the picture as this is just one of the many ways this money could be spent, and that is for a supervised and inspected feeder pig sale. We in Michigan are all for just such a program, but the funds to promote and maintain it are lacking.

The second point that we felt should be emphasized, is the elimination of the use of live hog cholera virus. This would also take money to promote. In Michigan we have what we call a health certification program, which is promoted by the Michigan Swine Breeders Association. There is no doubt in my mind that this program is one of the most effective ways in existence to spread healthy breeding stock throughout the country, because a buyer is almost guaranteed a healthy animal when he buys from a herd that is "health certified." While this program has been in existence for 2 years, and we have some 300 members in the Michigan Swine Breeders Association, there are to date only eight herds participating, and the only reason that more breeders are not taking part in it is the cost involved. Here would be an ideal place to use some of this money.

The fourth program that we felt would be valuable to undertake if we had the necessary funds, would be county swine days, stressing the teaching of sanitary practices and the prevention of swine diseases. Dr. Van Hauweling of the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA has said that embargoes alone placed against American pork products because of hog diseases in this country cut our potential pork market in half. (Hog cholera and VE alone.) This statement alone, is enough to make any hog farmer say, "If we could only do something about this by using our own money to save our sick industry." We are here only to ask you to grant us permission to help ourselves. Mr. FULK. Reese Van Vranken, cattle feeder, Climax, Mich., Michigan Cattle Feeders, and Michigan Cattle Breeders Association. He is here and will file a statement.

(The statement is as follows:)

STATEMENT OF REESE VAN VRANKEN, FARMER, CLIMAX, MICH.

I represent the Michigan Livestock Improvement Association, Michigan Swine Growers Association, Michigan Cattle Feeders Association, and the Michigan Cattle Breeders Association. We endorse the amendment to the Packers and Stockyards act permitting automatic voluntary deduction for research, promotion and marketing of red meat.

At our last annual Michigan State Farm Bureau convention, the delegates at that time endorsed the above.

REESE VAN VRANKEN.

Mr. FULK. Harlan Hanks, hog farmer, Winnebago, Minn., Minnesota Swine Producers Association, Minnesota Yorkshire Association. He will file a statement.

(The statement is as follows:)

STATEMENT OF HARLAN HANKS, WINNEBAGO, MINN.

I am representing the Minnesota Swine Producers Association, a very active organization, which has been in existence for many, many years for the expressed purpose of promoting the swine industry in any way possible.

We have had many ideas and noble ambitions, but have been unable in many instances to make them materialize because of lack of funds. The funds are available, if we but had some organized means of collecting them. We are not asking for any tax money or any Government financial assistance. We are only asking that the laws be such as to legalize the collecting and spending of money in our own industry.

At the last annual membership meeting of our State Association held in January 1957, a resolution passed in favor of the 5-cent checkoff on swine. At various meetings of swine producers held over the State, polls have been taken on the checkoff. The results have been about 95 percent in favor of it. Agriculture, as are most other industries is highly competitive. The swine producers are competing for their fair share of the consumers' food dollar. It is necessary that we have funds available to advertise, promote, and to conduct research.

In the last few years there has been a radical change in the demands of the consumer as to pork products. In order to retain our market, we must preluce a hog with a maximum of lean meat, and a minimum of lard, and of course to be profitable to the producer he must have the ability to convert feed into meat efficiently and rapidly.

There is a very urgent need for swine testing stations throughout the Corn Belt. A few States have them, but many more are needed to locate the hogs that have the desired inherent ability.

We have been working on this in Minnesota for about 2 years, but as yet have found no means of financing the initial cost. They could be self-sustaining after they are once set up.

Many other segments of agriculture have means of collecting funds from their producers to be used for advertising and promotion. I am convinced that the swine producers must have these funds to compete for our share of the consumers' food dollar.

Minnesota Swine Producers sincerely urge your consideration of this selfhelp program for our industry.

Mr. FULK. J. M. Garner, hog farmer, Mendon, Mo., past president, Missouri Swine Growers Association, and vice president, Chester White Record Association.

He will file a statement.

(The statement is as follows:)

STATEMENT OF J. M. GARNER, MENDON, Mo.

I am J. M. Garner of Mendon, Mo., pure-bred swine breeder, feeder and livestock auctioneer. I not only produce the hogs and cattle but the feed to feed them. I am at present a director and vice president of the Chester White Record Association. I am a past president of the Missouri Swine Growers Association and came here to represent that organization. It is composed of breeders of all breeds of hogs and commercial feeders. We are the boys who carry the feed bucket and if there is a better hog produced we are the ones who will do it.

Missouri ranks fourth in swine production and I think first in the sale of feeder pigs. In order to keep step with every other line of industry we need money to improve and promote the swine industry. This amendment No. H. R. 3749 would make it possible to raise money for the benefit of all phases of the livestock industry.

I have explained the proposed amendment to many just everyday farmers and they are 100 percent for it. They like the idea of everyone contributing to the industry he is engaged in in an equitable manner.