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RED TOP (Herd’s Grass) 
A very useful, medium height perennial grass, with a creep- 
ing habit of growth. Four main uses—(1) as wet or sour land 
crop, (2) for pasture mixtures under humid conditions, es- 
pecially on soils other than limestone, (3) as soil binder to 
combat erosion, (4) for hay mixtures. Red Top grows on 
lime-starved soils that won't support other grasses. Vigorous, 
drought-resisting, it makes a coarse, loose turf. Matures 
about same time as timothy. 
; ORCHARD GRASS 
A very hardy, tall, leafy grass, popular for pasturing. Grows 
most anywhere, all types of soil. Very early and lasts late. 
For hay sow heavier and cut just as it blooms for best quality 
and yield. Hay quality also is improved when sown along 
with Tall Meadow Oat Grass and Meadow Fescue. 
MEADOW FESCUE 
Often called English Blue. It grows almost anywhere, but 
best in low, damp locations. Is hardy, early, 2 to 3 feet high. 
Stands dry or freezing weather. 
TALL MEADOW OAT GRASS 
A great grass for poor but well-drained soils, especially 
when sandy or gravelly. Very hardy, perennial, highly nu- 
tritious. For pasture or hay. Pasture is ready early in spring 
and lasts late into fall. Hay yield is heavy when cut about 
blossom time. Tall, fast-growing. Deep rooted, cold and 
drought-resister. Up to 60 inches high, in tufts. Good with 
Red Clover, Alsike and Orchard Grass. Sow 2 to 3 bushels 
per acre, 14 lbs. in bushel. 
CRESTED WHEAT GRASS 
A long-lived, leafy, perennial bunch grass; very drought- 
resistant. Withstands extreme cold. Early, long-season 
pasture. Grows 24 to 30 inches high, on almost any type 
of soil. Drill 12 to 16 lbs. per acre—broadcast 20 to 25 lbs. 
SMOOTH BROME GRASS 
A fall perennial with strong creeping root stocks that build 
a thick, firm turf. Thrives well on loose, dry soil, withstands 
drought unusually well. Slow to start, it is desirable to sow 
it with a nurse crop or with other grasses, especially when 
grown for hay. Sow early in the spring or late summer 
(about two months ahead of frost to be sure of a start). In 
Michigan, this grass is used with alfalfa to eliminate seeding 
of summer annuals, especially during the heat and drought 
‘of July and August. Out there this mixture seems more 
productive—in milk and butter fat records—than alfalfa 
alone. This practice is spreading to the East. 

Best Methods to 
Pasture Alfalfa 

Two general systems of pasturing have been 
practiced in a limited way. A well estab- 
lished alfalfa field may be divided into sev- 
eral areas which are pastured in rotation, so 
that none is ever eaten down closely and all 
have a chance to recover. In some cases 
where alfalfa is retained three years, the 
first year it is mown and not pastured. The 
second year the first crop is harvested, the 
later growth is pastured after being allowed 
a good start, and a good fall growth is left 
before winter. The third year all crops are 
pastured off, after allowing the first crop to 
reach nearly the cutting stage. This year 
pasturing may continue late into the fall 
since the field will be broken up the next 
year. Such a system gives the greatest pas- 
ture acreage at the time when growth is 
slowest and pasture most needed. 
Pasture Improvement. Where no ma- 
nure is used, the average recommenda- 
tion in Pennsylvania and other states 
is 400 to 500 pounds of superphos- 
phate. New York State recommends 
as high as 800 pounds. 
Where no mantre is used, it would 
be better to use as much as 400 
pounds of 0-14-6 or 0-14-14. The pot- 
ash brings on the white clover much 
quicker, 
Housecleaning 
the Barn 

Disinfecting the barn thoroughly at least 
twice a year will aid in the control of 
disease. In the fall before the cows go back 
for the winter, and in the spring after they 
go out to pasture. First, remove all loose 
dirt, dust and litter. Then floors and walks 
scrubbed with hot lye water. Maybe one 
pound can of lye to 20 to 25 gallons of water. 
Following the lye scrub, spray with a reliable 
disinfectant. Disease germs will be de- 
stroyed, eliminating their spread to healthy 
animals. 
Chicks ‘‘Out of Season”’ 
Here’s a new wartime income for the 
alert farmer. Raise out-of-season 
chicks. Help produce the much-needed 
meat supplies. 
The egg-feed-price ratio is now in 
a favorable position. Feed wheat and 
soy bean meal are available in large 
quantities to support increased chicken 
production. 
10 Acres—1,916 Bu. Corn 
Read the world’s record-breaking yield of 
Paul Peabody on page 9. 
25 
