ILLINOIS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 281 



means possible. His example can be followed by others with as- 

 surance of equal success if they only persist in their efforts. 



In general the cows were persistant milkers as shown by 

 their long lactation periods. It is encouraging to note that some 

 of them have records exceeding 10,000 pounds of milk per year 

 and over 300 pounds of butter fat. With cows of this kind, the 

 profitable side of dairying is easily seen. In connection with the 

 production of this herd it is well to note the feeding and manage- 

 ment, for these have contributed largely to the high returns. 

 Large crops of corn, cowpeas and clover are grown upon this 

 farm and consumed by the dairy herd, the manure being carefully 

 returned to the fields, which practice in years past has brought 

 up the land to a condition in which excellent yields of corn and 

 clover are assured. At first, the sowing of clover seed was un- 

 successful in securing a stand, but by the use of leguminous crops 

 and the careful application of farm manures, the physical and 

 chemical condition of soil have been sufficiently improved to make 

 the growing of clover fairly successful. A large acreage of cow- 

 peas is annually provided for, and their importance cannot be 

 overestimated. The sowing of millet with cowpeas is practiced 

 as the presence of the millet assists in curing the cowpeas, a pro- 

 cess which is often attained with some difficulty as the making of 

 this hay comes at a season when the weather is often unfavorable. 

 Cowpea is worth the effort involved as it furnishes excellent win- 

 ter roughage, even though one fails to get it in the best condi- 

 tion. 



The herd did not receive silage, the high production during 

 the winter being stimulated by feeding a liberal grain ration in 

 connection with cowpea hay. During winter, the herd received 

 from 4 to 6 pounds of wheat bran, 10 pounds of corn and cod 

 meal together with 15 pounds of cowpea hay and what they would 

 eat of corn stover. The corn and cob meal was ground on the 

 farm which also tended to reduce expenses. In summer, the 

 herd had access to excellent pasture which was supplemented by 

 4 to 5 pounds of bran per cow. All the foods consumed by 



