34 
The Colorado Experiment Station 
MILLETS 
Owing to the fact that they will develop with relatively small 
moisture supplies and that they will mature in a short season, 
millets must be considered among the important dry-land forage 
crops. Millets, as are the sorghums, are “hot weather” crops and 
will not do well at higher and cooler altitudes. For the most part 
their place among the dry-land forage crops is to furnish hay for 
horses, cattle and other similar livestock. 
Varieties .—The varieties commonly met with on the plains 
are the German, Common, Hungarian, Siberian, and Hog millet. 
Hog millet is grown more frequently for the grain than for the 
forage. In some sections it will produce quite heavy yields of 
seed. It is not widely adapted to Colorado plains conditions. 
Where it is adapted it is worthy of a place in the rotation. Else¬ 
where, it should not be grown at all. Most of the sections where 
it does well lie in the northeastern part of the State. 
In general, German millet is recommended in preference to 
others. It grows more rank than the Common, and consequently, 
where moisture supplies are fairly good, should be seeded a little 
thicker. If this precaution is taken, it will make as fine hay and 
usually a little more tonnage than Common. The other varieties 
are adapted, but do not possess any superiority. As a consequence, 
planting for hay purposes should be limited to the German and 
Common. 
Preparation of the Soil .—The soil for millets must be pre¬ 
pared as thoroly, or more thoroly, than for sorghums and corn, as 
it is small seeded and must have a comparatively congenial seed 
bed if it is to produce a good crop. In order to accomplish the 
production of such a seed bed, plowing should be very early, in 
order to allow the accumulation and protection of the moisture 
supply. 
Seeding .—Millet should not be seeded until approximately 
the first of June for most of the plains territory. It will not de¬ 
velop in a cold soil, and since it matures in a short season, plant¬ 
ing can be delayed until the soil is thoroly warm, which is about 
the first of June. Preferably the seed should be put in with a 
press drill, using about 25 to 30 pounds of seed per acre. It can, 
however, be seeded by broadcasting and harrowing the seed in. 
or better still, rolling it in and following the roller with a harrow. 
Harvesting .—Millet makes a valuable hay if it is cut at the 
right time. The right time is about the time the seed is in the 
milk. If allowed to mature farther than this the seed is liable 
