278 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



Were time allowed there are many other things which we 

 might show from a good farm record, but the above will have to 

 suffice and, I believe, it shows to a sufficient degree the vital 

 importance of some sort of record in connection with farm 

 operations. 



SHEEP FARM MANAGEMENT. 



(R. S. Besse, assistant in farm management.) 



In the Farm Management Association many of the mem- 

 bers are taking advantage of our plans for lamb feeding. The 

 plan, while not altogether new to everyone, will bear repeating 

 at this time and some concrete examples and experiences given. 



GROWING THE FEED. 



Cowpeas in the Corn. — Cowpeas are planted with the corn 

 in the hill at corn planting time. This is done by the use of a 

 cowpea attachment on the corn planter. The peas., being a 

 warm weather plant, will not do well in cold soil; consequently, 

 when planted in this way it is necessary to wait until the ground 

 has warmed up before planting the corn. The corn is cultivated 

 in the usual manner. The Blacks, Red Rippers, Clays and 

 Whippoorwill peas are best for this purpose. A vining variety 

 should be used. On fairly good soil the peas will begin to form 

 a considerable undergrowth by laying-by time of the corn, and 

 not long after a dense growth twining around the stalk and 

 nearly covering the ground will be found. The peas should be 

 sufficiently mature to turn in on them by the middle of Septem- 

 ber, depending somewhat, however, on the location, season and 

 varieties of peas planted. They should pasture seven to ten 

 head of lambs per acre, depending upon the density of the 

 undergrowth. 



Rape. — We have found rape to be an excellent feed in 

 finishing lambs for the market. Furthermore, early frosts kill 

 the remaining cowpea undergrowth and most likely before the 

 lambs are ready for market. 



The rape may be sown between the rows of corn at the last 

 cultivation with the use of a one-horse drill. About an equal 

 acreage of rape and cowpeas is needed when sown in this way. 

 The rape may also be planted on clear ground, in rows wide 

 enough apart to be cultivated. This should be done in the spring 

 and a big, heavy growth obtained by turning-in time after the 



