126 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



large in diameter and have experienced considerable loss by 

 moulding. It is better to have too small silos than one too large 

 in diameter. 



The actual cost of the silo depends on the material to be 

 found on the farm. If sand and stone are convenient, no brick 

 will be necessary, as a concrete foundation is best. Here is a 

 bill of material for a ninety ton silo which was recently built and 

 has proved satisfactory. 



Size 14x29, concrete foundation, 3 feet deep: 



132 pieces, 2x4, 26 feet long $41.75 



9 hoops with lugs . . 24.75 



50 pounds wire nails 1.75 



4 barrels cement 10.00 



Paint 3.50 



13 days' labor at $1.00 13.00 



$94.75 



This does not include any roof or concrete floor. 



Corn makes the best silage. Other crops may be used, such 

 as sorghum, clover or alfalfa, but corn has given better results. 

 Care should be exercised not to allow the corn to get too mature, 

 nor must it be put up too green. If too green it will not keep well 

 because it will not be heavy enough to pack well. When the ker- 

 nels are nicely glazed or at the same stage of maturity that corn 

 is cut for stover, is the proper time also for silage. If for any 

 reason the corn becomes too dry, water can be added from time 

 to time, as the silo is filled or a better way is to spray the cut corn 

 as it goes into the silo. 



Silage is high in carbohydrates and for this reason should 

 be fed with some protein feeds to balance up. Clover or alfalfa 

 hay, wheat bran, oats, oilmeal or cottonseed meal will make a 

 good combination. 



A dairyman told me a few days ago that he was feeding 

 nothing but silage. The agent who sold him the silo told him 



