B. P. I. -317. 



FORAGE CROPS FOR HOGS IN KANSAS AND 



OKLAHOMA. 



By C. E. QuiNN, Scientific Assistant, Farm Management Investigations. 



INTKODTJCTION. 



Farmers are more and more realizing that pasture is necessary for 

 the most economical production of pork. Those who are raising hogs 

 and putting them on the market with the least cost have their entire 

 farms fenced hog tight. This enables them to give the hogs the range 

 of the meadows and fields when the crops have been harvested. Much 

 that would otherwise be lost is thus saved by the hogs, for they are 

 among the best gleaners of the waste grain, weeds, and insects in the 

 fields. 



More hog pastures are fenced each year, more experimenting is 

 being done, and there is more inquiry as to the best crops for pasture. 

 These questions can not be answered intelligently without a knowl- 

 edge of the conditions of soil and climate, the market, and the adapta- 

 bility of crops to different sections of the country. 



The Office of Farm Management Investigations has undertaken to 

 ascertain by a study of farm practice: (1) WHiat crops have been 

 found best for pasture for hogs in different localities; (2) the season 

 during which these crops are available; (3) the number of stock they 

 will pasture to the acre; (4) the value of this pasture in connection 

 with other feeds; (5) the quantity of grain necessary to produce a 

 given amount of pork on different pastures; and (6) the cost of pro- 

 ducing pork. 



While only a small beginning has been made, . the demand for 

 such knowledge and its importance to the swine industry of the coun- 

 try has prompted the publishing of this information for each locality 

 as it is obtained. 



CROPS USED IN KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA. 



During the past summer (1907) about 150 of the most successful 

 swine growers and pork producers of Kansas and Oklahoma were 

 interviewed on the subject of the crops used for feed. In southern 



21521— Bui. 111—07 3 o, 



ol 



