124 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



Cost of grain per lb $ 0.0125 



Cost of hay per ton 11.00 



Cost of silage per ton 3.00 



The following advantages and disadvantages of the use of 

 the soiling crop is given so that you may judge for yourself 

 whether they apply to conditions under which you labor. 



Advantages of Soiling 



I. — Permits of a more intensive system of dairying and 

 the keeping of a larger number of animals. 



2. — Permits production of milk free from flavors due to 

 pasture weeds. 



3. — Furnishes a succulent ration and maintains a continu- 

 ous milk supply when pastures may be seriously affected by 

 drouth. 



4. — Decreases the necessity of a heavy grain ration and 

 purchase of concentrated feeds. 



Disadvantages of Soiling 



1. — It requires a man and team daily to cut and haul a sup- 

 ply of forage to the feeding yards, interfering wth the regular 

 farm work. 



2. — Even with careful planning the season may be such aa 

 to hinder the development of the crop with subsequent shortage 

 of feed. 



3. — Soiling crops must be gathered in all kinds of weather. 

 In rainy weather they may become so wet and "washy" as to 

 cause digestive disorders. 



3 

 Advantages of Summer Silage 



I. — Feed is always on hand without any additional work. ] 



2. — Will keep for an indefinite period if properly prepared. | 



3. — Independent of climatic conditions as the supply is pre- [ 



pared the previous summer. ; 



4. — Silage is always under cover, hence does not require \ 



harvesting in all kinds of weather. 



