On 4 February 1932, Alfred Yeates, Percival Dicey Forrest and Edmund Vernon Brockman were appointed Royal Commissioners to inquire into dairy farming in the South-West. The Royal Commission's terms of reference were:

1) Generally to inquire into and report on the disabilities relating to the working and development of holdings of group settlers and other settlers engaged in dairy farming and under mortgage to the Agricultural Bank of Western Australia, in the South-West District;

2) In particular, and without any way limiting the generality of the powers conferred, to inquire into and report on a) whether the settlers have made the best use of their holdings and opportunities for dairying in respect to i) management and fertilising of pastures ii) management of stock and conservation of sufficient fodder iii) growing of seasonal fodder crops iv) raising of produce (other than butter fat) for sale v) production of all commodities possible on the farm in order to keep down household expenses vi) investment of surplus farm receipts and earnings in stock, plant, improvements or development b) general or particular farm problems such as relate to the soil comprised in holdings and the effect of certain types of soil on the health, fertility, and productivity of stock, and any difficulties pertaining to the farm itself c) methods and costs of producing, processing, and distributing dairy farm produce.

3) To make such recommendations in regard to the matters inquires into as may be deemed effective to ensure improved methods of working and progressive development, the payment of interest and loan moneys, and to improve the economic position and outlook of dairy farms.