The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1907-03-13
FARMERS CLUB
GETS A CROWD
Farmers Show Ability to Do Their
Own Thinking and Their
Own Talking.
Crop Rotation and Clover, Tile
Draining and Tree Plant
ing Discussed.

The Farmers club meeting of last
Saturday had the best attendance
it has enjoyed for several seasons.
A large number of the farmers
were accompanied by their ladies,
and The GAZETTE's only criticism
would be that some Of these ladies
or a lecturer from abroad should
have a part in these programs to
give helpful counsel and entertain
ment for the farmers wife.
The most valuable part of the
morning program was given to the
subject of rotation of farm crops.
Prof. Boss of the state farm school
presented the importance of this
subject very forcibiy, using chart
to illustrate the result of actual
experiments in rotation for series
of years. While no formula would
be accepted by all the farmers for
varying soils and conditions, we
heard very favorable comment on
the part of farmers in the audience
on the teaching of Prof. Boss. 1t
was generally agreed that the time
has arrived here when the meadow
and pasture should be included in
the scheme of crop rotation, as
urged by the speaker. 1t means
less blowing and in the long run
a greater product in a series of
years, to say nothing of renewing
and lettering the soil instead Of
wearing it out
A. D. Smith gave a practical talk
on windbreaks, advising the plant
ing of willows for the outside row
under ordinary conditions, with box
elders, ash and elm as best varieties
to use for shelter and general re-
suits.
After luncheon, which was served
by the ladies of the Christian church
under the auspices of the business
men of the city, the farmers en-
gagged in a discussion of clover grow
ing, led by j. P. Cooper who read
a practical paper on the subject,
giving the results of his own expert
ence. The discussion emphasized the
fact that clover growing is no long
er an experiment in this locality.
The method of sowing and harvest
ing is somewhat different than that
employed by Wisconsin and Illinois
farmers. In the experience meeting
which followed the reading of Mr..
Cooper's paper, the majority fav-
ored the seeding at the rate of from
four pounds per acre and upward.
and all agreed that seed should not
be put in with drill to get the
best results. In harvesting, Messrs.
Henderson, Whittet and others en-
phasized the necessity of dispensing
with the reel on the harvester and
using care in handling where it was
desired to get good crop of clover
seed. Mr.. Henderson uses a special
machine.
Geo. Whittet, who has made straw
berry culture study for several
years, gave his experience with
different methods. His present prac
tice which was novel to some of
the audience is to NOW his straw
berry patch after it is done bearing.
and when the cut grass and weeds
are dry enough, to burn on the
ground. The berry plants are none
the worse at the roots, and the seeds
and refuse are thus easily disposed
of, leaving conditions right for fall
cultivation followed at the proper
time with mulch of three inches
of straw.
The subject Of tile draining was
led by Prof. Boss, questions coming
in to show that many farmers were
interested. Prof. Boss counseled
the employment Of a competent en-