The Dickinson press., 1913-04-05
RAILROADS HELPING
FARMERS WEST OF RIVER

fAkM rs WkS1 VI HlveH
For some time the Northern Pacific
Railway has been engaged in conduct
ing agricultural demonstration farms
in North Dakota and Montana. both for
the benefit of the various farming CON-
munities where the farms are located
and for its WI purposes Of investiga-
ton and improvement.
In North Dakota these farms have
been superintendent and developed by
Prof. Thomas Shaw the we'll known
agricultural authority. An addition to
the agricultural staff for 1913 has been
made. r. F. Murray will give special
attention to the demonstration work and
Prof. Shaw and he will work in earh-
est cooperation. The object of these
farms is to determine the best condi-
lions under which crops of all kinds can
be grown by means of the so-called dry
farming methods. This includes soil
preparation and cultivation, crop rota-
tion, the determination of the varieties
of grains and vegetables best adapted
to particular soils and localities. etc.
Prof. Shaw has just concluded his stud
les of the results of the demonstration
farms for 1912. These results have been
such that the number of farms the
Northern Pacific will operate in 1913
under the direction of Prof. Shaw and
Mr.. Murray will he doubled. They will
be located in the country between the
Missouri river and the Montana bound
ary line in North Dakota.
The farms consist of six or more acres
each, and they have been handled in a
thoroughly practical as we'll as scien-
tific manner by resident farmers under
Prof. Shaw's supervision.
The conclusions Of Prof. Shaw regard
ing the various crops, briefly summar-
lied. are as follows:f
WINTER RYE-This crop will.produce
large yields, when sown on corn land
in late August, whether amid standing
or cut stalks. When drilled in grain
stubble at the same time. it grows we'll,
but does not yield so heavily. 1t is of
great assistance in cleaning the land
and is one of the safest and surest
grain crops that can be grown in North
Dakota. The yield on corn ground was
26 % bushels an acre, and on stubble
II bushels.
WINTER WHEAT-Grows we'll when
sown during latter part of August on
ground where the corn stalks are still
standing. but there is great risk in SOW
ing it in corn stubble or even on sum-
mer fallow where unprotected. Pastur-
/ ing destroys it. Yields 40 bushels an
acre on corn stalk land.
CORN FODDER-One Of the most i'm
portant crops in North Dakota. Assists
greatly in cleaning the land and fur
nishes dry fodder or si]age for live
stock, also conserves moisture for crops
that follow. Experience shows that
Illc cars VI CUIIl WILL 6CAACAdIAy LAdluIe
even with Minnesota No. 10. Corn
grows we'll on stubble land. Yields '2H
tons to the acre.
PEAS AND BARLEY-Canada field
peas and white hulless barley make a
splendid combination for producing
grain hay. Three to four pecks of peas
and two of barley to the acre should be
sown. Yields three tons or more to the
acre.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. demonstrates
that while there is no difficulty in Sc.
curing a good stand, yields on land moi
properly prepared are unsatisfactory.
More experimentation is called for in
growing this crop which promises much
for North Dakota.
Any additional information regard.
ing these ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS will glad.
ly be supplied by addressing. Prof.
Thomas Shaw. Agricultural Expert. St.
Anthony Park, St. Paul. MINI.