The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1922-07-28
EXHIBITORS SHOULD
CHOOSE GRASS NOW
FARMERS SHOULD MAKE PLANS
EARLY FOR SHOWING AT
FALL FAIRS
CURE SAMPLES CAREFULLY
Lack of Care and Preparation often
Loses Exhibit Serious Considera-
tIon at Judges Table.-Should
Preserve Natural Color

With the fair season not far off and
with many varieties Of grasses ready
for preparation for exhibition now is
the time for farmers to make selection
and preparation Of exhibits in these
classes, If this has not already been
done.
A sample of grass or hay entered in
county or state fair sometimes does
not receive serious consideration at
the Judges table simply because the
grower has not cured or prepared the
sample in a manner which would dis
play its points of value to the best adj
vantage, according to Harlan K. Sum-
ner, assistant agronomist of the Mon
tana State college experiment Station.
Grasses should be gathered when
the heads are we'll out of the boot and
at time when the leaves are not only
plentiful but of fresh green color. A
sample will be judged principally upon
It's showing of superior forage quality
or It's apparent feeding value. After
cutting the sample close to the ground
1t should be cured In manner to pre-
serve the fresh, natural green color.
1t should be spread out on clean
floor or table in some building where
no strong light strikes it. While the
sample Is still green, all dried stems,
weeds and foreign grasses should be
removed.
After the sample has dried suffi-
GENTLY so that 1t will not mould when
gathered In punches 1t should be tied
rather loosely about the butt and hung
up with the heads down, taking care
that it is allowed to swing free and not
touched on either side.
In preparing the sample for exhibit
ton the center of the bundle should
first be laid and then the bundle built
up on either side. In order to show
q bundle that indicates both high
yield and fine quality some exhibitors
blend coarser specimens with fine
stems. After the sample is made up
the butt should be cut off square with
a pair Of heavy shears. Most shows
specify that bundle must measure
from three to five inches in diameter
at the butt The sheaf should be tied
about six inches from the butt with a
cloth or cord made by several strands
of binder Irvine.
Show samples of alfalfa or clover
should be cut when they will show
fine quality and high yields of hay.
Maximum yield usually must be sacri- !
flced for highest quality. Cut the !
selected sample nv hand, remove all
impurities and discolored dead leaves
and carefully spread 1t out on clean
floor. Straighten out the stems and do |
not allow them to dry in tangled
masses.
In building a show bundle of alfalfa
or clover 1t Is often advisable to wait |
until a moist day when the leaves are
tough. If this is not possible, sprinkle
the sample lightly or cover with a |
damp gunnysack. The show bundle is
best made by adding small lunches to
d large central bunch until the bundle
of desired size Is obtained The butt
then should be squared off and the
sample tied as in other grasses.
Suggestions for the gathering and |
preparation of grains and grasses are
given in Montana extension service |
bulletin No. so.