208 FORAGE CROPS 



are very superior. Yields have been secured, under 

 good conditions, ranging from three to four tons 

 per acre from the first cutting, and frequently one 

 ton and a half in the second cutting, making it 

 also a very profitable crop from the standpoint of 

 supply of nutrients. It is not recommended that 

 fields that are intended to serve as hay should be 

 pastured, although the pasture is of excellent 

 quality. 



If made into hay for use on the farm, the crop 

 should be cut before it matures, if the largest 

 quantity of highly palatable and digestible dry 

 matter is to be obtained. When the plants are in 

 blossom, or immediately after, — if there is a large 

 proportion of the grasses, — may be regarded as 

 the best time to cut under average conditions. The 

 plants harden rapidly after this period, increasing 

 proportionately the indigestible woody fiber and 

 decreasing the digestible protein. Timothy grown 

 for market purposes may be cut at a later period, 

 for market conditions demand well - matured, 

 though not over- ripe hay, and increased yields 

 are secured if cut at this later period. 



