FORAGE CROPS IN XORIHERX GREAT PLAINS. 53 



The forage-crop data here presented are chiefly the results of 

 experiments conducted at Ardmore, Belle Fourche, and Redfield in 

 South Dakota: at Edgeley, Hettinger, Mandan, Dickinson, and 

 Williston in Xorth Dakota; at Havre and Moccasin in Montana: 

 and at Sheridan in Wyoming. 



The most important forage crops in the region are alfalfa, corn, 

 and grain hay. Sorghum is grown extensively in northern Nebraska 

 and southern South Dakota. Awnless brome-grass is an important 

 grass in certain sections. Sweet clover is becoming increasingly 

 important, particularly as a pasture crop. Millets are utilized to 

 some extent as an emergency crop. Field peas, soybeans, and root 

 crops are grown only to a limited extent. 



Various attempts have been made to improve the ranges, but 

 without much success. The most hopeful line seems to be through 

 the introduction of plants from abroad. 



The possibilities of the silo as a means of storing forage for an 

 indefinite period is an important consideration. 



In a well-balanced farming system the ideal ratio of forage to grain 

 would appear to be enough forage and pasture for livestock to guaran- 

 tee a living to the family and added to this as much grain as the 

 family can handle with additional labor only at harvest time. 



It is very evident that the farm unit must be much larger than the 

 present general size. 



Cattle fit into the system of farming better than any other class of 

 livestock. Beef cattle are better suited to this type of farming than 

 dairy cattle. The raising of beef cattle is more flexible and less 

 exacting in its requirements. 



