The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1899-09-16
FARMER AND PLANTER.
AN INTERESTING QUESTION.
The Matter of the Disposition Of
CornstaIks-Shan the Farmer
Pull FOddeR4 -

This is an interesting question at
this time. A few years ago 1t would
not have interested many, 1t is true
that repeated experiments have shown
that more weight is usually lost in the
corr than saved in the fodder. But as |
the fodder was SO useful and conven-
lent for hay, farmers were not pre-
pared to value these nice calculations.
They did not know how to do without
the fodder They had not learned that
lis place could be taken by hay. They
lad not come to fully understand that
they could grow this hay cheaper than
they could save, the fodder. Now they
are beginning to understand the
facts.
value of the stalks.
Another difficulty in settling this
question. was that the corn stalks
were considered worthless. They were
often thought to be greatly in the
way
Br; now all this is changed. We
print in another article a new. use and
a new value that is proposed, to be CIV
en- this hitherto worthless part OF the
corr crop. That may or may not
rrove reality. But one thing Ii
known: corn stalks can be made very
useful at home as food for horses and
cattle. Not only can they be. fed at
home, but they can, be sold at paying
figures for hay, when properly pre-
n:.red. Hence we think it important
for farmers to study this question
and learn to utilize the great crop OF
corn stalks that has heretofore been
going almost entirely to waste.
And while they are doing this save
the bard work and heavy expense o.
pulling fodder.
How Can This Be Done.
BY shredding the stalk with fodder
shuck the corn all on. To do this
cus the corn stalks about the time thu
corn is hardening, or when the fodder
is Just u little too ripe for pulling
Shock these stalks In the field ant
let them remain there a few weeks
until pretty dry. Longer will no
hurt.
Then haul up and run through tn
shredder. This machine will take OF
tie ears and cut up the stalks into ez
cellent hay. This hay is very good
th, fodder alone and will weigh abou
three or four times as much.
Sbredders are not costly and can o
used for a number of crops just as 20
do the grain threshers.
Several small farmers can CLUB u
gethel and buy one, or the same pa
ties who thresh the small grain ca
run the shredder in the same wa.
These points of management can cas-
~ be arranged.
The chief point is this: Let OF
farmers make up their minds to sa'
all the labor they can and thus Jesse
the expenses. And let them save Q
that they have grown upon their farm
tina, is worth saving. Some estima
that stalks are worth as much as fo'
as the corn. Thus you see we ha
been throwing away nearly one-half.
y few years ago we did not val
our cottonseed. Now they are wor
millions of dollars. For the sar
reason let us cease to throw away I
corn stalks and make them add to
fam profits.
Therefore, we say, do not pull Il
der. Because it Injuries the corn
pull the fodder off; and it is hard a
expensive work.
The hay made from the whole sta
is just as good as that made from
part of it.
The reason cattle have not eaten
stalks is that the sharp outside c
ering cut their mouths and stomac
: When the stalks are passed throu
the machinery and thoroughly t.
TO pieces this trouble no longer
lists. They can eat and digest the st
with the same ease and comfort t
they can the shucks and fodder.
ii it is not convenient to do
shredding early in the fall 1t will
make any difference. Simply 7
care of your corn until you are rea
Perhaps it would be well to say
here, that it is important to stack y
corn well when you cut it, 80 as to
yert it from falling in the sand.
Iii is well to leave three or
stalks standing near each other
tie their tops together. They
form good center for the STAG
Southern Cultivator.