The essay “I, Pencil” is widely known for illustration of the remarkable relationships in the production of products. I remember reading another essay, years ago, that illustrated in a similar manner, how a small error in a “planned effort” had similar, much magnified “time” results. Unfortunately, though I have searched for it, I do not remember the author or title, and perhaps someone could help. Very briefly, it -
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described the mistake, in a planned system, of “failing to allocate” a “steel allotment” to manufacturers for the production of “bailing wire” to harvest the hay crop, as food for cows.
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described the inevitable result of a “surplus of meat” and lower prices (seen as a “good thing”) as herds were “cut back” because they could not be “wintered and fed”
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illustrated the “time requirement” to rebuild a herd; breeding, gestation, birthing and raising calves to an useful age; a period of not less than two and a half years.
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concluded with the obvious: increased unemployment, the ripple effects on related industries (trucking, slaughter houses, freezer storage, etc.), and a scarcity and price increase of meat for a three year recovery period - All to simply return to the “present status” at the time the “mistaken oversight” happened.
This essay obviously had great impact, as I remember it so well. If you recall this work, I would appreciate a pointer to its source or perhaps, to its re-publication.
Thanks in advance…,