The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1909-12-23
(By Don H. Bark

7 NDy Ion II. BARK
Written especially for the Leader
Realizing the Importance of this
industry, and the large profits that
may be made from it, and knowing of
the scanty knowledge we have, of the
proper handling of alfalfa for seed
production under irrigation, the wri-
ter was led to make tour of the
state investigating the production of
the seed among hundreds of the most
successful growers.
The following article includes the
data so found and is written that
our Idaho farmers may learn and
profit from the results of this inves-
tigation.
The production of alfalfa seed
seems to nave Deen considerably ne
elected ly the farmers of Idaho in
the past caused no doubt by the
seeming uncertain results that have
been obtained by some of those who
have grown it. But it is hoped that
more will give it the attention that
is due it in the future. Even when
only an average yield is secured it is
a more profitable crop than wheat,
oats or potatoes and is equal in net
profits to fruit or sugar beets. Yields
of from to Is bushels per acre are
not uncommon and with the grow
ers receiving from Y to Is cents
per pound as they have done this
fall, the net profits per acre have
ranged from $4,000 to in some in
stances over $4,000. Thus it seems
strange that more do not attempt to
raise it.
The price to the grower has ranged
above 10 cents per pound for some
years and with the ever increasing
demand for seed each year it seems
hardly possible that the Idaho grow
ers can produce enough to lower the
price materially. The price per pound
is high enough so that freight rates
cut but small figure with the grow
er, as they do with the other more
bulky products, which must neces-
sarily be marketed near by. Then too
with grain or potatoes the farm must
be located comparatively near a rail-
road station or the cost of delivering
the same will seriously reduce the
profits, but not so with alfalfa seed.
On account of it's high value per
pound it may be raised with profit
at long distances from a shipping
point, as an ordinary four horse team
will easily haul from 100000 TO
100000 worth of the product at ore
trip.
There is more and more demand
for the seed each year. In all the
older, more intensively cultivated
sections of the west, where alfalfa
is used extensively in crop rotation, t
thousands of acres are plowed up
and as many more reseeded each year t
A large acreage of the new lands
more recently brought under irriga- t
ton are planted each year and then S
bhO oVCd Pi OdutllOn 10 ouCOCool VI I
under the humid conditions of the {
east even in sections where it is t
must successfully grown for hay. Nor /
IAN it be profitably grown in all sec c
ions of the west. Now on account of C
is high price, we can ship it long 4
distance by rail and so can reach any a
market either at home or abroad and h
)ne can see at a glance that there f
will always be a great demand for t
he seed, with little danger of over l,
stocking the market. s
southern part of Idaho I feel that b
With the proper methods of handling C
We have over half a million acres OH Il
which it can be grown with profit &
his will mean an increased revenue
rom our farms of many millions a
ach year. a
Aside from being a very profitable b
rop, alfalfa has great value OF II
oil enricher. The soils peculiar to Il
ur arid climate are rich ia al Of p
he necessary mineral plluc foods. tt
ut very deficient in nitrogen. Al tC
alta will supply this necessary ritso- Il
enous plant food at more rapid m
ate than any other plant that can a
e grown and will do it while giving g.
he farmer the maximum crop III n
eed. This value of alta IA has not fo
cen appreciated in all localities to as
IS fullest extent il the past. Elt
he farmers who wish to produce W