The Culture of Broomcorn 



The principal crops of broomcorn are raised in Kansas, 

 Oklahoma and southern Illinois, although this crop will 

 grow in other sections of the country where soil and 

 climatic conditions are favorable. 



It is a profitable crop, as the price per ton for the 

 brush usually ranges from $50 for the lower grades that 

 are damaged by the weather up to $200 and over for the 

 very best. The prices for 1910 ranged from $140 to $190 

 per ton. 



In the Southwest it is becoming more important as a 

 forage crop, and it is used to a considerable extent after 

 the brush has been removed. The seed has but small 

 feeding value. 



The two best types of broomcorn grown in the South- 

 west particularly are the Dwarf and the Standard. The 

 Dwarf is much liked because it grows only from four to 

 six inches high, with a brush of from 12 to 20 inches, 

 however. This type is better suited to the semi-arid 

 regions and to the uplands of the broomcorn section in 

 the Southwest. 



The soil should be plowed in the fall or early in the 

 spring, so that it will retain as much moisture as pos- 

 sible. About two weeks before planting, the land should 

 be disked and harrowed, and, if necessary, harrowed a 

 second time before planting. Broomcorn is a good sod- 

 crop. 



Broomcorn plants are very tender, and make the most 

 rapid growth in warm weather. They will not stand the 

 cold of early spring like corn. The seed will rot before 



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