FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION 133 



Increased Yield Without Increased Labor. 



Notwithstanding the greatly increased milk per acre 

 on this demonstration, the amount of labor per acre re- 

 quired to raise the crops was about the same as on ordinary 

 farms where good methods are practiced. That is a vital 

 feature of this demonstration and one of the most practical 

 and profitable elements to secure on any dairy farm. The 

 proper balance and production per man is what determines 

 the farmer's income and the standard of living that he can 

 afford. Production per man must be kept high in this coun- 

 try if we are to keep intelligent people farming the land 

 and if we are to produce a surplus of food for people in 

 other occupations. 



Most Out of Alfalfa. 



The alfalfa that played so large a part for six years in 

 the Milk Per Acre demonstration at the University of Illi- 

 nois was seeded with beardless barley as early in the spring 

 as the ground could be worked, and a very good thrifty 

 stand secured. The barley was cut for hay when the grain 

 was in the dough stage. 



This method of seeding with small grain in the spring 

 is now quite generally followed by Illinois dairymen and 

 has proven successful and practical. It means a regular 

 grain crop on the land the same year the alfalfa is started, 

 and this outstanding economy cannot be overlooked. How- 

 ever, it does require that the ground be free of weeds, well 

 supplied with organic matter, and in excellent condition 

 from previous good tillage. 



It was the custom to cultivate the alfalfa with a spring 

 tooth harrow each season as it began to grow. Also imme- 

 diately after the first cutting of hay the alfalfa was again 

 cultivated when the soil was in condition and labor looked 

 available and much grass was destroyed by this cultivation 

 if the sun was shining. However, such cultivation might not 

 be economical if the alfalfa is in good condition and no blue 

 grass is getting a start in it. 



