The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-16
KAFFIRS IN MONTANA
Used as a Fodder for Hogs and Cattle
Much May Be Made.
WILL EXPERIMENT ON /
The New Cereal Is Replacing Corn.
Oats and Other Kindred Cereals
In Oklahoma. Why Not In
Northern Montana.

Great Falls, Jan. 15.-Farrners in
Northern Montana are deeply interest
ed in the reports from Oklahoma of
the success that has attended the cul-
ture of Kaffir corn, a new cereal that
promises to rival wheat, Indian corn
and oats. The newspapers of the Sec
ton are devoting a good deal of space
to glowing accounts of the wonderfui
yield per acre of Kaffir corn wherever
it's culture has been attempted, as well
as the many ways IL can be used for
food purposes-for man and beast. III
half the accounts are true, IL is a won
derful cereal, indeed AS 1t indicates,
ii is indigenous to the soil of South
Africa, the land of the Kaffir, that par
ticular part of the dark continent at
present the scene of trouble between
the Uitlanders and the Beers. Why 1t
is classed as corn is rather odd, as its
seeds, as produced, do not mature on
a cob like the regulation maize, But
grow in a sort of a head, similar to
barley and are at the tip instead of the
middle of the stalk. The latter bear
some resemblance to corn stalks in
general appearance, and in Oklahoma
attain a height of about four feet.
For several years attempts have been
made in this country to raise Kaffir
corn, more as an experiment than with
any idea of adding another cereal to
the products of the country. Thor
oughly convinced of the success of
these experiments the farmers OF Ok
lahoma embarked extensively into its
culture last year with results that are
simply astounding. This corn, planted
on arid land, thrived and ripened with
out a particle of artificial Irrigation.
Some planted as late as July ripened
before the early fall frosts. At first
the farmers were fearful that they
would not be able to derive any prac-
teal benefits from the new grain, as
horses, cattle and hogs were not ac-
customed to feeding upon it. Such
fears were rapidly dispelled. The
horses took to Kaffir corn from the
first and they liked Ii so that to-day
1t is taking the place of BATS. The
same can be said for the hogs and cat
tie of Oklahoma, the animals develop
ing a remarkable fondnes for the new
food. The house wives finally tried
some of the ground corn for cooking
purposes, with the result that kaffir
crn bread proved a winner.
The most interesting thing about
this corn, at least for Montanans. is
the fact that IL can be raised on arid
land without irrigation, and is from all
accounts thoroughly adapted to this
climate. Its culture In this state, If it
proves to be a success, and those who
have looked into the matter say there
is no doubt on that score, will go a
long ways towards settling the vexed
problem of the occupancy of the arid
lands. II will almost revolutionize
farming in Montana. With Kaffir corn
the Montana farmer will have a cereal
that will grow without the aid of irri-
cation bitches and all the expense
that farming luxuries give rise to. He
will have something that he can set
down as a sure" crop regardless of
wind and weather. He can raise no
better feed for his stock. and If needs
be Kaffir corn bread can be served on
his table. At least he will have an
article that cannot be excelled for fat
tening hogs and cattle. The pork prob
lem will also have been solved. Here
after there need be no more talk of
the folly of sending East for pork.
Thousands of dollars annually will be
kept in the state, where to-day It goes
to fatten the already plethoric purse
of the pork packing kings of Kansas
City, Omaha and Chicago. Cattle can
also be fattened for the Chicago mar
ket and future stock quotations will
refer to Montana corn fed cattle"
Stockmen will receive better prices
for their cattle and sheep and the stock
industry will take a genuine and last
ing boom. Columns could be written
on the benefits that will accrue to Mon
tana farmers IL the culture of Kaffir
corn meets with the success reports at
tribute TO the southern territory Paris
Gibson and others are interesting
themselves in the matter and have al
ready taken steps to procure a liberal
supply of seed for the purpose of maxi
ing a practical test with the new
grain. Another year will tell the tale.