The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-06-30

11cEdt1Dy 104 OtOU8nts
| A severe and protracted drought may
not occur this season, but it Is the part
OF wisdom to be prepared for it If il
comes. The lessons taught by the
drought last year should not be forgot
ten. Many of the most prosperous farm
ers in the country were heavy losers by
their neglect to prepare for shortage
in pasturage. Grass stopped growing
during the latter part of the summer,
and became almost as dry as chat.
Cows gave but very small amount OF
milk, and there was a scarcity of butter
and cheese in almost all parts of the
country. Dairymen and farmers who
had any to sell received good prices,
but only those who were able to provide
sufficient food for their cows were ben
Gifted by the rise. Cows that fell off in
giving supply of milk during the sea-
son of drought did not regain their abil-
ity to give the usual amount when there
was sufficient feed. 1t is very bad pol
icy to allow COWS to reduce their milk
record on account of insufficient feed
during the summer and fall No amount
OF feed will bring up the yield of milk
the same season after it has began to de-
cline. This is the testimony of the most
observing dairymen in the country.
Cows gave little milk during last fall
| and winter on account of the injury re-
ceived while feeding in the pastures dur
| ing the latter part of summer. Young
animals that sucked their dams were
generally in poor condition on account
of an insufficiency Of milk. There was
a scarcity of well-fattened beeves and
sheep in most parts of the country.
Many farmers were obliged to sell Off
portion of their stock in order to obtain
means to winter the animals that were
of the most value to them. In many
sections of the country they disposed of
them at great sacrifice.
The farmers who made the most
money last year were those who had
plenty of food during the entire season.
Their cows gave large amount of
milk. the products of which brought an
extraordinary price. They were able to
turn of their cattle and sheep in good
condition for the butcher and to realize
a large sum for them. Their young
animals did we'll and advanced in value.
They were able to buy stock of less fort
innate farmers and to profit by their
misfortune In many cases cattle and
sheep doubled in value within few
months. Had it not been for the very
favorable winter the amount OF feed in
several states would not have been
sufficient to have kept all the stock.
Some seasons it is easy to make up for
a deficient grass crop by feeding corn
when it exists in abundance. But such
was not the case last year. There was
not sufficient corn in many parts of the
country to fatten the hogs and supply
the other wants for it. The straw pro-
duced in most parts of this country is
not utilized as it should be, and never
will be till roots Or other succulent
food are raised to feed along with it.
Straw is unsuited for an entire ration of
any kind of stock. 1t supplies only a
part of the needed elements of nutri-
ton. 1t is unsuitable for the wants of
mich cows and young animals OF every
kind. In most European countries it
Is utilized to much greater advantage,
for the reason that it is fed in connec-
ton with roots. When the use of
ensilage becomes general in this coun-
try, ii it ever does, straw will be of
greater value than it now is, for it can
be fed in connection with it to excellent |
advantage. 1t will afford desirable
change from moist food. 1t will help |
furnish variety, which insures good |
appetite. 1t is plain that the time has
come when we can 10 longer feed the |
stock of the country on hay and corn.
They have become too precious.
The season for the planting Of the |
standard crops of the farm is over for
the year, but there is still time and OPP |
portunity to put in crops that will furn-
ish feed that will be wanted in case Of q .
drought. Sweet corn. if planted any
time during this month, will be Of a size
to feed to milch COWS, hogs and young
animals should the pastures become
short in July and August. If there are
timely rains during the latter part of
the growing season it can be cut up and
Cured, and it will make excellent food
for stock of all kinds during the winter.
With the exception of grass there is no |
better food for mich cows than sweet |
corn. A patch OF it should be raised in
the vicinity of every pasture where cows
and hogs are kept, to be in readiness in
case the supply Of grass and clover is
The labor of cutting and
feeding it is light in comparison with
the good accomplished by it. Hogs
relish sweet food and sugar is one of the
best fat-forming substances that can be
obtained. German and common millet,
as well as the variety known as Hun
garian grass, can be sown to good adj
vantage any time this month, and will
produce more feed than can be obtained
from almost any cultivated crop. 1t
helps out the hay supply and can be fed
without liability of injury to any kind
Of stock except horses. Northern sugar
cane can also be planted for stock pur-
poses during this month. Its value for
! forage crop is just beginning to be APP
oreciated. In the future it will doubt
ess be extensively grown. especially in
parts of the country quite liable to
severe and protracted droughts. It is
very valuable for sheep. and from all
cattle and hogs do well on it.
IN parts of the country where the Win
ers are open it is not materially injured