Added to these principal factors, and aggravating them, were attempted boycotts of meat and proposed radical legislation for the regulation and restriction of the packing industry, and the resulting condition of uncertainty up to the very closing weeks of 1919, when the understanding between the packers and the U. S. Department of Justice was made public. The big question is, What of the year 1920? While nothing positive can be predicted, better conditions is a practical certainty. The domestic consumption of beef is increasing to a gratifying degree; the arranging of international credits and the opening of foreign markets is a matter of comparatively short time. European need for pork products will be urgent and excessive for a considerable time, and this will not only take care of our surplus hogs, but will react favorably upon the market for cattle and sheep. Standard Breeds _of_ Beef Cattle ABERDEEN-ANGUS Early maturing; transmits polled character; high dressing percentage; high proportion valuable cuts. [Illustration: Aberdeen-Angus] SHORTHORN Greatest weight for age; dress out well at slaughter; quiet disposition; strong milking tendencies. [Illustration: Shorthorn] GALLOWAY Prepotent; adapted to rugged regions; high carcass value; valuable hide. [Illustration: Galloway] POLLED SHORTHORN Characteristics similar to Shorthorn except polled; some strains dual purpose. [Illustration: Polled Shorthorn] HEREFORD Best grazing breed; matures early; fattens rapidly; good weight for age. [Illustration: Hereford] RED POLLED Strictly dual purpose; fair grazers; early maturing. [Illustration: Red Polled] The Livestock Situation RIGHT now is a good time to stick to the middle of the highway of common sense. As shown in earlier chapters, the conditions adverse to the business can be only temporary, and even the losses incurred may be turned to profit in the end, if the livestock men shall learn the lesson of economy and efficiency of production and more complete co-operation among themselves and with the packing industry. Recent experiences will impel some producers to curtail or discontinue their operations temporarily, but others will take their places and quantity of production will be maintained while quality will be increased. High-priced land, grain and labor will compel stockmen to grade up their herds, to discriminate more closely in the purchase of feeding stock, to improve feeding methods and to keep exact records of costs. For at the higher level of costs and values all around, as compared with prewar times, both the risks and rewards of the business will be greater.