Final answer:
In the context of the excerpt, 'schemes' refers to 'deceptive plans' crafted by the packers to sell inferior products as top quality goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word schemes in the provided excerpt suggests the implementation of shrewd or underhanded plans for profit or advantage. In the context of the excerpt, the packers are coming up with deceptive plans to market inferior products as higher quality goods. For example, the so-called "boneless hams" are not traditional hams but rather a mix of various pork pieces, suggesting the schemes are designed to deceive consumers. Therefore, the most accurate meaning of schemes in this context is a deceptive plan (option B).