38 



FARM PRACTICE WITH FORAGE CROPS IN OREGON, ETC. 



The flat or fall turnip (Brassica rapa) is also grown in western 

 Oregon and Washington. Since it matures quickly, grows mostly 

 above ground, and has a flesh less firm than that of other roots it 

 does not keep well and is adapted only to fall and early winter use. 

 Its soft flesh and habit of growth above ground make it an admirable 

 root to be harvested by stock turned into the field. , It is usually sown 

 broadcast on clean land about the 1st of July. It may be sown also 

 in corn. If intended for winter use it should be gathered and put 

 into bins, before becoming water-soaked from fall rains. 



SOILING (GREEN FEEDING) CROPS. 



The mild winter climate and abundant rainfall of western Oregon 

 and Washington make it almost an ideal region for the production 

 of soiling crops. By the judicious selection and planting of crops 

 green succulent food may be provided for the dairy cow during prac- 

 tically the entire year. That a much greater amount of feed can be 

 obtained from the same area of land by this system as compared with 

 pasturing is a fact well recognized by progressive dairymen. Much 

 of the tillable land of this region is iioav very valuable. As values 

 advance beyond the limit where farm land may profitably be used 

 for pasture and it becomes necessary for the small farmer to keep the 

 maximum number of stock upon his few acres of tillable land, the 

 growing of soiling crops becomes of vital importance. 



Below is given a list of the crops that are used for this purpose. 

 The dates of planting and the approximate dates upon which these 

 crops may be used are also given. It must be understood, however, 

 that the variation in seasons prevents one from saying definitely when 

 a crop will be ready to use. For further information regarding these 

 crops the reader is referred to the discussion of each in the preceding 

 pages of this bulletin. 



Dates for planting and using soiling crops in -western Oregon and ivestem 



Washington. 



Crops. 



When planted. 



When used. 



Rye and vetch 



Winter oats and vetch . _ 

 Winter wheat and vetch. 



Red clover 



Alfalfa 



Oats and peas 



Oats and vetch 



Oats and peas 



Rape 



Oats and peas 



Rape 



Corn 



Turnips 



Thousand-headed kale 



September 1 to 15 



September and October., 

 -..do 



February 



do 



April. ._ 



May 1 



May 



June 



May 10 to 20. 



Mangel- wurzels, carrots, and ruta-bagas . 



Julyl 



March 15 and transplanted 



Junel. 

 April 



April 1 to May 15. 

 May 15 to July 1. 



Do. 



Do. 

 During June. 



Do. 

 June 15 to July 15. 

 During July. . 



Do. 

 During August. 



Do. 

 During August, Septem- 

 ber, and October. 

 Late fall and early winter. 

 October 15 to April 1. 



October 15 to April 1 (fed 

 from bins, pits, or root 

 houses). 



