INTENSIVE SYSTEM OF CROPPING 2$ 



ration was supplied with the exception of a small 

 amount of dry roughage once a day, consisting of 

 hay or corn fodder. A cow weighing 1,000 pounds 

 will ordinarily consume from 60 to 70 pounds of 

 the average forage crop a day in addition to 

 a small amount of dry fodder and from six 

 to eight pounds of fine feeds. While the food 

 value of rye is not as great as some of the crops 

 which follow, it is a valuable food for the reason that 

 it comes at a time when no other crop is available. 



Wheat immediately follows rye, and while the 

 yield is not usually as great as that obtained from 

 the former crop, it is very palatable, and owing to 

 its larger proportion of leaf growth it remains suc- 

 culent for a longer time and has proven an excellent 

 forage for the middle of May. 



Alfalfa without question is the best perennial 

 crop. It is ready for cutting shortly after the middle 

 of May, and a yield of 20 tons of green forage 

 per acre during a season is not uncommon. An 

 average of 22 tons per acre annually for the 

 four years following seeding has been secured, 

 the greatest annual yield being 26 tons per 

 acre from five cuttings. Owing to its high content 

 of protein (the hay nearly equaling that of wheat 

 bran) it serves an excellent purpose on a dairy farm 

 in materially reducing the need for purchased feeds, 

 whether the crop is fed as green forage or hay. 



Crimson clover is one of the most useful crops 

 from the standpoint of yield, composition, cost, and 

 the ease with which it may be secured. It may 

 serve as a pasture where soiling is not practiced, or 



