CLEANED 
TESTED 
ALFALFA 
FIELD 
SEEDS 
Alfalfa is more nearly a perfect forage crop than any other crop grown in this 
country. No other forage crop cultivated in the United States is utilized more success- 
fully in so may ways as alfalfa (Medicago Sativa). The translation of the name, which 
is of Arabic origin, means “the best fodder.” Sow in spring and fall in firm seed bed 
at the rate of 15 to 20 pounds per acre. 
REGISTERED ALFALFA 
is produced under state supervision and is state 
tagged and sealed. Tests are made by the state 
seed laboratory. The seed is graded Blue Tag or 
Yellow Tag as the tests determine. Those who 
wish to grow seed for registration must plant Blue 
Tag seed. Registered seed of the following ‘va- 
rieties can usually be obtained. 
GRIMM ALFALFA. This variety is probably the ear- 
liest and best known of the pedigreed varieties. 
Introduced to Minnesota years ago 
by Wendelin Grimm. It has proven 
ability to withstand drouth and 
winter-killing and these fine quali- 
ties have been increased by con- 
tinuous selection. It is a worthy 
variety for the inter-mountain area. 
BALTIC ALFAEFA. Seed of this 
hardy variety, grown in Colorado, 
ts known as Colorado Baltic and 
Meeker Baltic. Introduced from 
Europe and propagated at Baltic, 
South Dakota for a period of years, 
afterwards brought to Meeker, 
Colorado, where it has consistent- 
ly withstood drought and extreme 
cold for many years. It produces 
high yields of forage. 
COSSACK ALFALFA was introduced 
by the United States Department 
ef Agriculture into this country in 
1907, from Russia. The flowers 
show a higher percentage of 
variegation than Grimm. Experi- 
ments show that it compares favor- 
ably with Grimm but is not con- 
sidered superior. 
LADAK ALFALFA. A recent introduction with 
promise of resistance to wilt. It is hardy and 
produces a heavy first cutting, recovers slowly 
after cutting, but again makes rapid growth. 
Alfalfa stands are injured by late cutting. It 
reduces yields the following year—even if not 
winter killed. 
Pastures need three or more inches of top growth 
for winter protection. They won't make early 
spring pasture if grazed into the ground. 
KNOWN ORIGIN 
We keep a certificate of the locality where each 
lot of non-registered Alfalfa seed is grown. 
PRICES 
As prices on Alfalfa seed cannot be determined 
when catalogue is printed, they will be issued 
later or furnished on request. 

COMMON ALFALFA 
is the name applied to the purple flowered, smooth 
strains of alfalfa. We are usually able to supply 
such seed grown from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, 
Montana and New Mexico; from northern latitudes, 
high elevations and dry lands. As a safeguard 
to buyers, we have adopted certain grade stand- 
ards that have been scrupulously maintained for so 
long, they are now generally recognized as de- 
pendable. 
Gold Seal and Gold Bee grades of 
Alfalfa seed are packed in branded 
bags. All seed is tested for purity 
and germination and tag showing 
the analysis is attached to each bag. 
GOLD SEAL GRADE. Alfalfa seed 
99.50 or better pure, good color, 
free of noxious weeds, is packed 
in 100-pound bags, branded with 
the Gold Seal emblem as illus- 
trated to the left. 
GOLD BEE GRADE. Alfalia seed 
98.50 or better pure, not quite as 
bright or plump as the Gold Seal 
Grade, is packed in 100-pound 
bags, branded with the Gold Bee 
emblem. The seed has good value. 
ARGENTINE. Alfalfa Seed from the 
Argentine will be available this 
season. Arrangements have been 
made to import a considerable 
quantity. It will be stained 10% 
orange-red’ as required by regu- 
lation. Purity will run about 99% 
and minimum germination 85%. 
Many favorable reports have been 
received from planters in the Rocky Mountain 
area on the results from Argentine Alfalfa Seed. 
It has proven quite satisfactory for short term 
rotation and in many instances for permanent 
fields. It will cost less than domestic seed, sup- 
ply of which will be short. 
BROME-ALFALFA MIXTURE 
A mixture of Brome Grass and Alfalfa will make 
excellent hay and pasture. The danger of bloat 
is reduced by the Brome Grass. They do well 
together. 12 pounds of Brome and 5 pounds of 
Alfalfa seed per acre is recommended. This is one 
way to overcome the shortage of Alfalfa Seed. 
Sweet Clover is also used to replace Alfalfa as a 
soilage crop in short rotation programs. 
INOCULATE ALFALFA 
Inoculation of Alfalfa Seed brings better stands 
or “catch,” healthier and more tender plants. This 
makes greater soil improvement and increased 
yields of richer protein hay and forage. Use 
Nitragin inoculation. Page 88. 
SSS SSS SSS SSS 
76 THE WESTERN SEED COMPANY, DENVER, COLORADO 
