Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-09-05
New England SiIos and Alfalfa.
INCREASE IN THESE PROFIT PRODUCING
FORMS OF FEED.

II a
(From a summary by the New England Home
| steady
Profitable New England dairying could
have no better foundation than q large
alfalfa acreage and generous supply OF
silos. The advantages of both have been
set forth many times In these columns.
But no one has taken the trouble to
secure reliable statistics regarding the
alfalfa acreage. Some wild estimates
have been made. The government and
the National Alfalfa Journal placed the
acreage at 1000 for New Eugland. That
was published in The Homestead, but
we called attention to the fact that the
estimate was far too high. Maine was
credited with IL 200 acres-more than
double the amount in all New England.
The actual acreage in Maine is 23S. All
wish that there were five times 10000
acres, but there is no advantage in
farmers deceiving themselves.
Back in 1914 The Homestead made a
canvass of the silos in our six states.
This was repeated this year, showing a
substantial gain throughout New Eng
land the past two years. In this census
The Homestead has had the hearty CO.
operation of county farm bureaus in ad-
dition to our small army of news repre-
sentatives throughout every \ county.
These people are in position to know the
facts ip their communities. Hence our
figures may be taken as very close 20 the
truth. The figures are up to July l, 1916.
IA has required about two months to
complete the survey and get it In form
for readers as here presented. But we
feel il was time we'll spent.
Even with 5000 acres New England has
reason to feel encouraged with the alfalfa
propaganda. Five years ago il Is doubt
full IL the total exceeded 800 acres. The
area has more than doubled the past two
years. Indications are that the alfalfa
wave is only beginning to show itself
among the farmers. County agents in
their visits with farmers are properly
emphasizing lime and alfalfa, plus other
legumes. Hundreds of farmers have out
small experimental plots. While these
now aggregate small acreage it is
reasonable to suppose the majority will
have such success that they will soon
SOW by the acre instead of by the garden
plot. Hence it may not be many years
before our New England farmers can
boast of $4,000 to 100000 acres. That
would serve as marvellous stimulus to
dairying and the raising of hogs and
poultry.
Our farmers some time ago grasped
the Importance of the silo. Farm for
farm New England has as many silos as
any state in the union, not excepting the
great states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois,
Michigan and New York. This is sig
uificant for a section so notoriously con-
servative. Now the next forward stride
in this line may we'll be the growing of
more protein on the home farm. With
alfalfa will be clover and soy beans.
These three, with their many variations,
brought into proper rotation with corn,
potatoes and grass promise great things
for New England farmers. They will
not only increase the direct profits but
also improve the soil ut the same time.
Each state and farmers in each county
will draw their own conclusions from
the tabulated figures. Penobscot, Cum
berland, Kennebec and Oxford counties
in Maine lead the state In number of
silos. Somerset takes the lead in alfalfa.
1t is surprising to see county with such
possibilities as Washington without any
alfalfa. Even fertile Aroostook boasts
of only two acres. The silos, too, in
these counties are nearly conspicuous by
their absence. No one can say 1t is
because there is lack of stock possi-
bilities. Evidently, there is work here
for someone.
Just as one would expect Vermont
beats all New England, both In silos and
alfalfa. 1t is the banner dairy state.
Nav not these two facts be significant?
Vermont farmers have the reputation of
doing things in a thorough way and
with an eye to profits. Think OF
one county, Orange, having 1900 silos
and Addison with 100. The latter has
1900 acres alfalfa, nearly third Of all
New England. Addison farmers are very
prosperous. May not the silos, the
alfalfa and the live stock thus supported
be big factor in that prosperity?
MAINE SJuos AND ALFALFA