CHOICE OF FORAGE CROPS 53 



In the case of many grasses the high cost of the seeds is 

 more due to small demand than to high cost of production. 



43. Time of harvesting. The time of harvesting some 

 hay plants is much earlier than that of others. Further- 

 more, some hay plants must be promptly harvested at 

 a certain stage, or otherwise the crop deteriorates, and 

 in some cases the subsequent growth is affected. It is 

 obviously unsatisfactory to have the haying season come 

 at a time when other farm work is pressing. It is even 

 more so if the crop is one that must be cut during a very 

 brief period, as both unfavorable weather and press of 

 other work may interfere. Timothy remains in good 

 condition to cut much longer than most grasses. Alfalfa 

 with its frequent cuttings often comes into conflict with 

 other farm operations. 



44. Ease of harvesting and curing. This factor is 

 important mainly in determining the choice between 

 forages of approximately equal yields. Corn is preferred 

 to sorghum partly because it deteriorates less easily, 

 partly because sorghums are considered " hard on the land." 

 Timothy is preferred over other similar grasses partly 

 because its mowing season extends over a period of two 

 or three weeks, thus permitting a better chance of good 

 curing weather. Alfalfa is handicapped in humid regions 

 by the necessity of prompt cutting when mature, and the 

 difficulty- of curing. Cowpeas are notoriously difficult to 

 harvest and cure, and partly for this reason soybeans are 

 becoming more popular. 



45. Demands or prejudices of the user. Where hay 

 is grown to market, the demand or prejudice of the user 

 is frequently the principal factor that determines the crop 

 to be grown. Such market prejudices are the result of 

 long-established experience or custom, and even where 

 erroneous, are changed only with great difficulty. 



