

y 7, ion. 



United States Department of Agriculture, 



OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.— Circular No. 36. 



EMERGENCY FORAGE CROPS. 



Reports from many portions of the Central West indicate that the 

 droughts of spring and early summer have greatly reduced the hay 

 crop throughout this entire section, and that in many localities the 

 pastures are already completely dried up. Oats, too. in some sec- 

 tions, are only half a crop. This situation calls for prompt recog- 

 nition by farmers and the immediate planting of emergency ci 

 to round out the shortage of both hay and pasture. There is still 

 time between now and mid-July to plant half a dozen kinds of quick- 

 growing crops that may be used as substitutes for the regular hay 

 and pasture crops if the seed is secured and the land at once put into 

 condition. 



For hay there may be planted millet, cowpeas. sorghum, soy bean-, 

 and Canada field peas and barley. These same crop> are suitable 

 for pasture purposes, and. in addition, rape. rye. and winter varieties 

 of wheat. The whole corn plant may also be used. For grain, buck- 

 wheat, millet, and cowpeas are available, and. in the southern part of 

 the region, early varieties of soy bean-. 



The aim of this pamphlet is to state briefly enough essential facts 

 relative to each of these crops to enable intelligent selection, giving 

 reference to more complete bulletins on the subject, which may be 

 secured later. The vital point now is the recognition of the situa- 

 tion and the prompt planting with least possible delay o{ some crop 

 that will supplement the pastures as quickly as possible and till empty 

 barns with hay for winter. 



CROPS THAT MAY BE PLANTED FOR HAY OR PASTURE. 



MILLET. 



Common millet is one of the best varieties of millet 1 in emergency 



bay or pasture crop, since ii yields well under trying conditions 

 Climate. It matures for hay in 50 t" s " days from t ho da to 



seed 10 to IT. days later. As ;i pasture, Btock can be turned .mi it within a 

 month after seeding. Use one-half to three-fourths of a bush 

 acre. If seeded for an early grain crop or on corn land burned up by drought, 

 disk the land thoroughly and harrow the seed in or - 

 laud well harrowed down. Other ^uh\ varieties of millet are li 

 and German. Millet hay is of most value for cattle. It is los>; desirable tor 

 horses and sheep. Broomconi or hog millet is one of the best prod 

 seed. Millet seed is relished by poultry, hogs, and young cal 



also r. S. Dept Agr. Farmers' Bulletin No. 101, M. 

 l'o0° — Cir. 36—11 



