238 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



seed is grown and used for stock feed. Cow-pea seed has a 

 high feeding value, furnishing about two and a half times as 

 much protein and nearly as much carbohydrates as corn. At 

 the present prices cow-pea seed cannot be profitably grown for 

 feed, but in thrashing more or less of the seed may be broken, 

 making it unfit for planting. Such seed should be ground and 

 fed; mixed with corn-meal or other ground grain it makes 

 especially good feed for hogs or dairy cows. Cow-peas are 

 also used in a small way for human food, prepared in much 

 the same manner as the garden bean. 



Cow-Peas Compared With Soy-Beans. 



In some respects the soy-bean would seem to be a more de- 

 sirable crop than the- cow-pea, and in many sections of the 

 country they grow well and are popular. However, in this 

 state (Kansas) they have not proven as sure a crop as cow- 

 peas. The soy-bean as a rule produces more seed than the 

 cow-pea, the seed ripens more nearly at the same time and is 

 easier to save and thrash, while the stalk, growing upright 

 without vining, makes the crop easier to harvest; also, the hay 

 of the soy-bean when properly saved has a little greater feed- 

 ing value, being richer in protein. In spite of these qualities 

 favorable to the soy-bean, it is surpassed in three respects by 

 the cow-pea, which would seem to make the latter a more de- 

 sirable crop for this state. 



First — The stand of cow-peas is more certain than the stand 

 of soy-beans. The seed is more sure of germination, perhaps 

 due to the fact that soy-bean seed is more apt to heat in storage. 

 Also the soy-beans fail to come up well if the soil is crusted, 

 while the cow-peas, being a more vigorous grower, push their 

 way out of heavily crusted soil. This ability of the cow-pea to 

 grow under unfavorable conditions and in poorly prepared 

 seed-bed is very essential, especially when stubbled in after 

 wheat or oats. The soy-beans when sown in this state on land 

 new to the crop usually require inoculation of the soil or seed 

 before *hey will thrive well, while the cow-pea seems to find its 





