USDA Bureau of Dairy Industry Records

Collection

Identifier: MS0031

Staff Only

Introduction

The USDA Bureau of Dairy Industry Records contain materials on subjects related to the care and production of dairy animals, including applicable laws, byproducts, models, and animal well-being. Notable names appearing in this collection are Carl William (C.W.) Larson, Ollie Ezekiel Reed, J.H. McClain, Dr. Louis Pasteur, President Dwight David Eisenhower, and Dr. G.W. Pope. The materials span the years 1908 to 1983, with the bulk produced between 1960 and 1983. The materials are in good condition. Researchers may use the collection without restrictions, except for one folder of damaged negatives.

Scope and Contents

The USDA Bureau of Dairy Industry Records include clippings of articles by or about Ollie E. Reed, Chief of the Bureau of Dairy Industry from 1928 to 1953. There is also historical information on the Dairy Division as part of the Bureau of Animal Industry, and later as the Bureau of Dairy Industry. Other materials include publications of the Dairy Cattle Research Branch (1956-1957); speeches of Carl W. Larson, Reed's predecessor as Chief of the Bureau of Dairy Industry; and some certificates from Ralph E. Hodgson, former Chief of Dairy Husbandry Research (1957). This collection also contains black and white photographs and negatives of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center's dairy buildings, animals, and dairy personnel.

Dates

Creation: 1908-1983
Creation: Majority of material found within 1960-1967

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Organizational History

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Henry Cantwell Wallace, a dairy specialist, expanded the USDA's Dairy Division by reorganizing it as the Bureau of Dairying on July 1, 1924. Two years later, the name of the agency changed to the Bureau of Dairy Industry. The Bureau consisted of five major divisions: the Dairy Research Laboratories; Market Milk Investigations; Breeding, Feeding, and Management; Dairy Herd Improvement Investigations; and Dairy Manufacturing Investigations and Introduction.

In 1954, the USDA abolished the Bureau of Dairy Industry. Its functions were transferred to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Non-regulatory functions were assigned to the Dairy Husbandry Research Branch, and regulatory functions went to the Meat Inspection Branch.