CHAPTER 16 

 CROPPING AND FEEDING SYSTEMS 



The character of cropping and feeding systems on a farm determines to 

 a considerable extent the success of the farm. Cropping systems from the 

 standpoint of crop production and maintenance of soil fertility will only 

 be discussed here in a general way. The discussion will pertain more 

 especially to the farm management phase of it and its relation to the 

 other enterprises of the farm. 



Feeding systems pertain to the rations and methods of feeding live- 

 stock and will be discussed especially from the farm management stand- 

 point. 



The Farm Scheme. Success in farming does not rest on the results 

 of a single year. It is not enough to be successful in the production of one 

 crop, but one must continually grow a satisfactory crop at regular intervals. 

 This calls for a cropping system in order that the chief crop or crops may 

 be rotated with other crops to avoid the numerous difficulties mentioned 

 in the chapter on rotations. 



From the crop standpoint the two dominant factors are how to main- 

 tain the yield of cash crops year after year and at the same time prevent 

 any decline in soil fertility. When animals enter into the farm scheme 

 the cropping system must also meet the needs for animal feed, including 

 necessary bedding. Profits necessitate considering the enterprises as a 

 whole. The order in which crops may be grown and the feeding system to 

 be adopted is a local question. It will be determined by a great many 

 factors, such as character of soil, climatic conditions, price of land, markets, 

 transportation and the personal preferences of the farmer. No definite 

 system can be laid down that will be best under all conditions, but there is 

 a philosophy underlying the question that will aid every farmer in working 

 out the system best suited to his conditions. 



Crops Related to Farm Management. Crops are grown either to sell 

 or to feed to livestock. One farmer may desire to grow corn principally, 

 another cotton, a third one potatoes, and still another some other crop. 

 Usually, several crops are grown. The problem from the standpoint of 

 farm management will be that of determining how much of each of the 

 different crops should be grown. From the standpoint of crop production 

 the farmer is interested only in the method of growing the crop, and when 

 the crop is harvested the task is completed. As a farm manager, it will be 

 necessary for him to decide what to do with the crop. Will he profit more 

 by feeding it or by selling it? If so, when should it be sold or to what class 

 of livestock can it be most profitably fed? 



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