INTENSIVE GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT 



45 



MUk PrO'ductiom w^d Returns per Acre 



Chart D brings out the close correlation between milk produced and net re- 

 turns per acre over feed, fertilizer, field and land costs, thus emphasizing the 

 fact that the primary value of this system is for milk production. The graph 

 at the top represents milk produced per acre in pounds, while the lower graph 

 gives the returns per acre over the above costs for the two seasons. The first 

 six plots maintained the relationships shown in Chart C, but the hay plots 

 showed a decided difference. The actual milk production was much lower on 

 these plots than on the other fertilized plots since they were grazed only dur- 

 ing the latter part of the season, although converting the yield of hay to 

 pasture days had placed them well up in carrying capacity. 



The returns per acre over feed, fertilizer, field and land costs as charted in 

 the lower graph varied directly with the milk production on the various plots, 

 being considerably lower on the hay plots than on the plots used primarily 

 for grazing, and thus demonstrating the advantage to the farmer of letting 

 the cows harvest their own feed as succulent pasture grass instead of hauling 

 it to them in the barn as hay. With the present high cost of labor, this sav- 

 ing may amount to a considerable sum, and in addition the cows utilize the 

 grass in its most palatable and nutritious form. Without question the third 

 group and the hay plots are necessary to the proper functioning of the system 

 as applied at the college, but the system may be so modified as to make them 

 unnecessary. For example on a less extensive scale, the milking herd might 



Chart D. — Milk Produced and Returns per Acre. 

 1928 and 1929. 



Plot I 



