The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-16
Russian ThistIes for Feed.
Kansas City Journal.

Kansas City Journal.
Secretary F. D. Coburr, OF the Kansas
agricultural department, to-day issued a
quarterly devoted exclusively TO the Rus
sian thistle as forage plant. For several
years the Russian thistle was regarded by
the farmers Of northwestern Kansas as the
most hated of all weed pests and the State
and federal governments took steps TO kill
it off. But the thistle still lives. In Kan
sas, however, II has never become general
pest II Is still confined to the northwest
ern part of the State. Within the past
three years ii has been discovered that
the Russian thistle makes fairly good for
age. and many farmers now not only pas
ture the weed. but also make hay of ii for
winter feeding.
In discussing the subject Secretary Co.
burn says:
stood are regarded as the farmers mpla-
cable enemy a hateful menace to ali use
tul vegetation and curse TO agricultural
districts, dlfflcult to prevent the spread OF
or 10 exterminate. While it is well known
that. when young and growing, they are
often greedily eaten by live stock, espe-
cially sheep and cattle, their utilization, as
indicated, is new. In this connection il is
proper 10 say that the State Board of Agri-
culture, In devoting a publication to the
discussion OF this subject. does not in any
sense Intend to appear as encouraging or
even countenancing the growth of thistles
for any purpose whatsoever, as the farms
or Kansas should not be disgraced nor de-
preciated by their presence.
OF those interviewed. most agree that
the so-called thistle hay quite bly,
corresponds in feeding value with that
from native grasses, and some even assert
that II is equal 10 alfalfa. which II is
said 10 resemble in some respects, when
properly cured and handled. AT all events,
from a general survey Of the reports,
thistle hay Is considered by those who have
used II nutritious and fattening. and cattle
and sheep, with no other feed can be sus-
tanned throughout the winter in as fair
condition as when other ordinary forage is
USED. IT Is, also. indicated that horses and
mules DO not seem TO care so much for
nor do so well on thistle hay as DO other
stock, and hogs will not eat IL at all, al
and fed green
1T is generally reported that all live
stock relish the pasturage afforded by
thistes for the three or four growing
months each year, and sheep and cattle
particularly like IL abandoning other herb
age in its favor, and even break through
FENCES In their eagerness TO Craze upon
II. rather than be confined to the prairie
or buffalo grass. ThistIes. of course. are
most valuable for pasturage when young
and tender. but live stock Will eat APP
parently with relish. the matured plants in
the nelds. when damp and soft. sometimes
even preferring them 10 the green grass.
When intended for hay. thistles preferab bly,
should not be grazed upon Whether
graZed or cut for hay, they will in course
or the season produce enormously OF seed,
and their survival is in no wise endangered
by either.
1T is also reported that the very young
plants are excellent for human food as
green's.
The average number OF years thistle
nay has been used by those reporting is
signify over three; some FEEDING II as
many as six years The largest area Civ
en- as having been harvested Is 100 acres,
others ranging from that down TO few
acres. Reported Yields per acre are widely