The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1910-07-14
WHAT SHALL
FARMERS SOW?
A MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION
NOW.
TIMELY ADVICE BY Ill:
COLLEGE AeRoNoMisr T CLAIMS
ABOUT FALL PAST SIS.

Prof. c. Willis, agron' sst at the
State college, sends us Sc following
timely article, which t GARNER read
ers will do well to co Ser carefully:
The extended period ~ drought yer
a great portion of South Dakota is
causing a marked decrease in the
yields of pasture grasses. Many farm
ers find it necessary to feed stock
during a time of the year when ordin-
arily there is good grazing. The evil
dent outcome can only result in a
shortage of feed unless precautions
are taken now. Too many farmers
and stockmen will be compelled to
place cattle, sheep and hogs on the
market in a poor condition, and will
feel loathe to stock up again in the
spring. Should such a condition come,
and which is quite likely, it may take
many years to overcome 1t.
There are unfortunately only a few
crops which seem adapted to the
present needs, however, this may not
be so bad after all for many farmers
will now not hesitate but seed at
once. The time for seeding is indeed
very short and he who wishes to grow
a crop must SOW his seed at once.
What are some Of the crops which
will produce a large amount of rough
age?
Rape
This plant is an annual belonging
to the same family as the cabbages.
It seems we'll suited for forage and
some farmers have some seeded now
for fall feed. The plant is very sue
culent and will furnish an abundance
of good pasture if sown soon. 1t has
a high feeding value for sheep and
swine and produces an abundant flow
of milk when fed to mich ows. 1t
stands quite severe cold weather and
thus furnishes feed long after the
grasses succumb to frost.
How and When TO Gov
Rape should be sown on cool, moist,
mellow soils where there is an abun-
dant supply of humus. Very sandy
or clayey soils are not good because
they are not we'll adopted during these
extreme conditions. Just before cul-
tivating corr for the last time rape
should be sown broadcast at the rate
of from three to five pounds OF seed
per acre and then covered by the
last cultivation. Dwarf Essex, which
can be obtained from all seedsmen
is the best variety recommended. 1t
is better to sow it Immediately after
a rain if possible so the seeds come
in contact with the moist earth, while
the cultivator will restore the surface
mulch.
Fields of grain that will not be
profitable to harvest can easily be
put in shape. Discing such fields
double and then narrowing them un'
til fine and level is all that is needed
in preparation of the seed bed. Low
lands where a crop Is harvested be-
fore August are ideal because thea
contain an abundant supply Of humu'
and the water table is nearer the
surface. Disc such fields and seed!
as stated above.
Use care and good judgment in feed
ing rape as it will cause bloat in cat
tie and sheep before they are accus
toned to eating Of it. This DANCE
can easily be avoided If stock is per
mitted to feed on it gradually. Sent
for Bulletin No. 119.
Millets
Millet occupies an important plac'
as a forage plant. If it Is sown On
rich, moist loamy soil 1t will produce
q large crop. It has this advantag
over rape in that 1t may be cured a
hay. Millet must have a we'll prepar
ed seed bed and the grain should b
placed in contact with moist earth
Millet will stand very dry weather /
it is once established and the Ian
is free from weeds. If the soil Is to-
loose 1t must be made firmer with
roller or a packer but the surface mus
be stirred with a smoothing harrow t
conserve moisture. Sowing the graf
with a drill is best for more uniform
ity Is secured.
Varieties to Grow
Kursk, one of the fox-tailed varietie
is the best. 1t has a leafy stem an
produces an excellent and better qua
ity of forage than the prose- millets
however, it is not early in maturin
neither does it stand drought vel
or the prose- or broom-corn millet.
Black Voronezh is recommended. Thi
type is grown nor for its seed tina
for its roughage. Seed two or thre
nocks Nor acre. Millets must be ha