A CORN-BELT FARMING SYSTEM. 11 



In collecting data on the income derived from an acre of rye when 

 hogged down, it has been repeatedly shown that this is about the same 

 as when the crop is cut, thrashed, and sold. Generally, there has 

 been a slight advantage in favor of the hogging-down process. This 

 varies somewhat, and in some cases this advantage has been consid- 

 erable. In addition to yielding an equal or slightly greater money 

 income, the hogging-down method permits the rye to stand through- 

 out the hot, dry season and come down gradually, thus furnishing a 

 protection for the young clover; it saves the labor involved in har- 

 vesting, thrashing, and marketing the crop, and is a very important 

 means of building up the soil. Even if the two methods yield the 

 same financial returns, that of hogging down the crop is decidedly 

 superior, in that it protects the clover, builds up the soil, and saves 

 the labor of harvesting, thrashing, and marketing the grain. 



RYE OR WHEAT WHICH? 



There may be some question when this farm system is considered 

 for the average corn-belt farm as to whether it is not better to continue 

 growing wheat than to substitute rye with the practice of hogging it 

 off. This is a question that must be worked out and answered sepa- 

 rately on each farm. 



In deciding this question there are many things that must be con- 

 sidered. The first is the man himself. Has the man who will operate 

 the farm an inclination toward swine raising or a dislike for it ? Has 

 he or can he acquire sufficient skill in this to be reasonably sure of 

 raising the number of hogs each year that would be required to harvest 

 the rye crop ? The next item is the equipment and fences on the farm. 

 Is the farm so fenced or can it be so fenced that hogs of all sizes may 

 be kept in all fields ? Certain equipment for housing the brood sows 

 and their litters will be necessary also. Is it desirable to furnish the 

 fence and other equipment necessary, or continue more along crop- 

 farming lines, of which wheat growing and selling shall be a part ? 

 Finally, the item of labor must be considered. Is there labor available 

 to handle the wheat crop without seriously hindering the other farm 

 operations? If not, even if it is more profitable, it may be advisable 

 to substitute rye and the practice of hogging it down. 



THE CORN CROP. 



The corn crop is a very important factor in the success of this 

 system. On farms where corn yields are extremely low this plan 

 would require the purchase of a large amount of corn, and it might 

 not be feasible until the soil has been built up to a point where a fair 

 yield of corn may be expected. It might be better in such cases to 

 run the farm as a grain farm, with such legumes as soy beans or cow- 

 peas as cash crops, until the soil has been built up to at least a moder- 

 ate degree of fertility by this means and by the use of such green 



