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"DISCO" SELECTED GRASS SEED 
“The time is bound to come when more thought 
must be given the pastures of the Northwest. The 
native grasses must eventually give way to such 
mixtures that will produce a more continuous 
growth during the growing season, and much more 
feed. ’» 
The above article was written and published so 
long ago as 1917 in our catalog which was published 
that year. It was true then, but it is doubly true 
today, as native pastures have been degenerating, 
and, furthermore, the highly competitive nature of 
stock feeding today renders it necessary that the 
most up-to-date methods be used in every depart¬ 
ment, and perhaps in no department is there such a 
lamentable handicap being carried as in the pas¬ 
tures. 
We strongly recommend that stock raisers con¬ 
templating improving their pastures act conserva¬ 
tively, beginning with a comparatively small area, 
which should be prepared just as well as it can be 
prepared. The trouble has been in the past that 
attempts have been made to change the picture all 
in one season. This might have been accomplished 
if weather conditions had been ideal, but it is very 
seldom that we have ideal weather conditions, and, 
furthermore, there is a great deal yet to learn in the 
matter of suitable pastures on every farm, and a 
conservative policy of going slowly and deciding 
that it is better to take several years to accomplish 
what you set out to do, and do it well, than to 
attempt to do it all in one year, and fail. 
To survive and prosper American farmers must 
give more heed to grasses and clovers not only for 
their own sake, but for the land’s sake, and for 
future generations. A great and far seeing British 
agriculturist has laid down the maxim “The land 
is more important than what it grows. ” Follow 
a rotation which has for its final objective improv¬ 
ing the fertility and physical condition of your 
farm. You will then be in a position to take ad¬ 
vantage of any opportunity that presents itself. 
CRESTED WHEAT GRASS 
(Agropyron cristatum) 
Crested Wheat Grass is a native of the cold dry 
plains of Russia and Siberia. The fibrous root 
system of Crested Wheat Grass is more than twice 
as heavy as that of any other grass which accounts 
for its ability to endure long periods of drouth 
without permanent injury and to readily respond 
to small amounts of moisture. Crested Wheat Grass 
has a longer productive period than any other cul¬ 
tivated grass and grows at lower temperatures. It 
starts growth from 5 to 14 days earlier than Brome 
Grass or Slender Wheat Grass and continues to 
grow later in the fall. 
Crested Wheat Grass makes a very palatable hay, 
is a good pasture grass, has been used successfully 
in the improvement of ranges and in reseeding 
abandoned plowed areas. About 10 to 15 pounds of 
seed per acre should be used when the grass is 
seeded with a grain drill or endgate seeder. This 
is the best method of planting for hay or pasture 
but if you plan to produce seed it is best to plant 
in rows and cultivate. When sowing for seed use 
4 to 5 pounds per acre for double rows, 42 inches 
apart. Crested Wheat Grass may be sown just as 
soon as the ground thaws out. The hay in samples 
analyzed contained more protein than Brome or 
Slender Wheat Grass. We strongly recommend this 
grass. 
WESTERN RYE GRASS or SLENDER WHEAT 
GRASS (Agropyron tenerum) 
This is one grass which we never hesitate to 
recommend. Its hardy, drought resistant nature 
has made it a favorite, especially in the Great 
Plains region where moisture is rather limited as 
a rule. May be used for either pasture or hay. 
WESTERN WHEAT GRASS 
(Agropyron Smithii) 
A grass native to the Great Plains region where 
it will give good results with a small amount of 
moisture. Very hardy, makes excellent pasture, and 
the hay is relished by stock. Once established it 
should last for years, as it is acclimated to adverse 
conditions. 
BROME GRASS (Bromus inermis) 
Also known as Austrian Brome, Hungarian Brome, 
Russian Brome, and Awnless Brome. Grows to an 
average height of 30 inches. The leaves are medium 
large and the leaf growth is very abundant. The 
roots push through the ground like those of quack 
grass, hence they soon fill the soil. Because of this 
quality this grass can endure any amount of cold. 
It is also able to stand any amount of heat such 
as is experienced in the temperate zone. It comes 
up in the spring earlier than any of the valuable 
grasses, and grows through much of the summer 
when a reasonable amount of moisture is present 
and continues to grow until severe frost. Essen¬ 
tially a pasture grass, but also makes good hay. 
Stock relish it and it will furnish pasture for a 
long period each year. Will grow and succeed in a 
greater variety of soils than almost any other grass. 
It is high time for American farmers to give more 
attention to grasses . 
Crested Wheat Grass 
22 The DAKOTA IMPROVED SEED COMPANY 
