84 BULLETIN 341, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The third column of this table gives the actual average acreage of 

 all these crops as found on the 378 owner farms (in percentage). 

 It is seen that they represent very nearly the rotation outlined above. 

 In the next column is given what the data obtained in this survey 

 would indicate to be a somewhat better form of this rotation for 

 the average farm in this region. We have seen (Table X) that the 

 acreage of corn might be increased to advantage. We have also seen 

 that oats are not profitable here. In this rotation the oat crop is 

 replaced by corn. Many farmers, especially those who have silos, have 

 already made this change, and in general their profits are considerably 

 above the average for the region. But this form of rotation, while it 

 is an improvement over the old, does not entirely meet the require- 

 ments of the most profitable system as indicated by the results of this 

 survey. The area of wheat is a little too large, while that of hay is 

 somewhat smaller than it should be for best results under average local 

 conditions. It is also difficult to sow so large an area of wheat after 

 corn unless the corn is cut for silage. The soil can not be put in 

 proper condition, the sowing is frequently late, and the land is not left 

 in the best of condition for the succeeding hay crops. 



The 6-year rotation outlined in the last portion of Table XLIX 

 appears to meet exactly the condition for greatest profit under aver- 

 age farm conditions in this region. It gives 33^ per cent of corn acre- 

 age, which is within the limits indicated to be the most profitable by 

 the data given in Table X. It gives 16f per cent of wheat acreage, 

 which is almost the same as the present community average, and 

 which, as we have already seen, is within the limits of the most 

 profitable acreage for this crop in this locality. It gives -44 per cent 

 of hay acreage, which is exactly equal to the present average, and 

 which is also within the limits indicated to be most profitable for 

 hay under average conditions in this region. The per cent of potato 

 acreage is the same as the present average. 



The annual hay crop occurring in the third year of this rotation 

 presents somewhat of a problem. There are several possibilities to 

 be considered. Oats might occupy this place. They can be cut for 

 hay in the milk stage and make hay of very good quality. 



Another possibility is oats and Canadian field peas, though this 

 region is somewhat too far south for success with this combination 

 unless the planting is done very early. Cowpeas, another possibility, 

 are not adapted to heavy soils this far north. . 



Everything considered, the authors are of opinion that after the 

 farmers have learned the management of the crop, soy beans would 

 be decidedly the best annual crop in this 6-year rotation. It is 

 much more dependable than cowpeas. The hay is rich in nitrogen 

 and would thus considerably reduce the amount of concentrated feed 



