FARMS AND CROPS 63 



SEED CROPS 



No little share of the cash income of Montana farmers comes from the sale of 

 various seed crops, chief of which are seed peas and alfalfa seed. The climatic condi- 

 tions and soil of the state are extremely favorable for producing seed of the highest 

 quality, from which grow plants of exceptional strength and vigor. For this reason 

 Montana-grown seeds enjoy a wide demand. The production of certified and registered 

 seeds is fostered by the Montana Pure Seed Growers Association, and this phase of 

 crop production is rapidly increasing. 



Alfalfa Seed: In 1922 approximately 16,000 bushels of alfalfa seed were pro- 

 duced in the state, of which about 115,000 pounds was Registered Grimm, and the rest 

 common alfalfa, Grimm not registered, and a small i)ortion Cossack and other varieties. 

 The out-of-state demand for Registered Grimm is strong, and this seed sells for about 

 twice as much as common varieties, while the Grimm not registered finds a ready sale 

 at higher figures than the common. The 1922 crop was valued at about $170,000. Much 

 of the alfalfa seed is harvested from old fields which have very poor stands, hence the 

 average yields are much lower than they should be. During the ten year period of 

 1912-21, the average yield for the state was 3.6 bushels per acre. Most of this crop is 

 produced in Valley, Blaine, Rosebud, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Carbon, Richland, Powder 

 River, Cascade, Fergus, and Garfield counties, although several other counties produce 

 it in commercial quantities. 



Seed Peas: Seed peas are grown imder contract with seed companies chiefly in 

 the irrigated sections in the southwest quarter of the state, and the excellent seed 

 produced is leading to more extended operations. The 1922 crop was valued at 

 more than $200,000. The counties which produce the bulk of this crop are Ravalli, 

 Madison, Beaverhead, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, and Missoula. Other counties will 

 increase the acreage in seed peas in 1923, according to advance reports. Canning peas 

 are raised in Ravalli and Gallatin counties where canneries operate, and acreage given 

 to this crop is also being increased. 



Other Seed Crops: Many other seed crops are produced in commercial amounts, 

 including mainly sugar beet seed, beans, clover, timothy, vegetables, potatoes, and all 

 of the principal small grains. Localities are found where farmers profitably specialize 

 on one or more of these crops for seed. 



