



WETSEL’S Dependable FARM SEEDS 
ALFALFA-~u. S.-Grown Seed Not Available 
It will not surprise many readers to 
learn that U. S.-grown Alfalfa seed 
suitable for this area (such as Kansas, 
Oklahoma, and more northern states) 
will not be available from us or most 
other dealers for spring planting. The 
acute shortage of such Alfalfa has been a 
matter of common knowledge for at 
least a year now. 
The situation has steadily grown 
worse in recent months, with the result 
that we will not be able to fill more than 
a third of the orders on file, many of 
which were booked early last summer. 
Numerous factors have combined to 
bring about this shortage of domestic | 

Alfalfa. First, reserve stocks were de- 
pleted by Government exportations to 
allied countries under Lend-Lease ar- 
rangement during the war years. Sec- 
ondly, production was reduced during 
those same years. Then the demand for 
seed in the last two years was greatly in- 
creased. While it was available, our own 
sales were at least double that of any 
comparable period. Finally it is reported 
that many farmers in the producing areas 
are refusing to sell all of their crop; some 
are dissatisfied with ceiling prices and 
others are holding for their own future 
needs. And it is apparent that consider- 
able seed is being sold onthe black market. 

Much the same can and should be 
said about both Red and Mammoth 
Clover, listed on the next page. Ac- 
tually, the situation in clovers is not 
quite so acute as in Alfalfa. But as a 
practical matter it is just as bad, for we 
are unable to offer clovers. Fortunately, 
a comparatively good crop of Red 
Clover was produced in the Valley, but 
the supply is still far short of the demand. 
Thus far, virtually no seed has been 
available from the large western pro- 
ducing states. Under these conditions, 
we can only recommend such _ sub- 
stitutes as Lespedeza, Argentine Alfalfa, 
and Sweet Clover. 
ARGENTINE ALFALFA 
In view of the acute shortage of seed 
from Kansas and Oklahoma, we feel 
very fortunate in having procured a 
fairly large stock of Alfalfa which was 
produced in Argentina. : 
Although fully aware of the wide- 
spread disfavor with which Argentine 
seed is viewed, we have no hesitancy in 
recommending it in this area, for we 
have sold Argentine seed for more than a 
quarter of a century, with generally 
satisfactory results. In all of these years 
we cannot recall one instance where it 
proved less satisfactory than is fre- 
quently the case with western seed. For 
example, we have on infrequent oc- 
casions been told that “it winter-killed 
while young,” also that “‘it turned yellow 
the second or third year.’ But every 
experienced Alfalfa grower knows that 

HOW TO PLANT 
Sow 20 to 25 lbs. to the acre in March 
or April 
Well-drained loam or clay soil, with no 
hardpan underneath, will grow Alfalfa 
when properly prepared. Lime should be 
applied to soil that is too acid. Two to 
five tons of ground limestone per acre is 
recommended; half of this quantity of 
burnt lime after plowing. A firm seed- 
bed is essential for a good stand of Alfalfa, 
and the soil should, therefore, be prepared 
well ahead of planting time. Harrow the 
land frequently to destroy all weeds. 
Alfalfa needs fertilizer rich in phos- 
phoric acid and potash. When seeding, 
apply 600 to 800 lbs. or more of 0-14-6 
fertilizer per acre, increasing the amount 
of potash on sandy soil. Top-dress estab- 
lished plantings each spring with 300 to 
400 Ibs. of 0-12-12 fertilizer per acre. 
Best results come from having the soil 
tested and adding the elements needed. 


these same things happen to Kansas 
and Oklahoma Alfalfa seed. Also it is a 
matter of common knowledge that 
clovers, timothy, orchard grass, and 
other seeds are frequently the victims 
of cold winters. Even fall grains such as 
wheat and barley are frequently injured 
by cold weather. 
So, after long experience and much 
study of the conditions under which it 
is grown, it is our sincere belief that 
Argentine Alfalfa seed is suitable for 
this area. This conviction is supported 
by the fact that the U. 5. Department 
of Agriculture favors its use south of 
the 38-degree line. 
To say the least, it is certainly worthy 
of being used as a substitute for western 
seed when the latter is not available in 
ample quantity, as is the case now. The 

fact is that it is being used in large 
quantities. Many millions of pounds are 
consumed each year by United States 
farmers. By about April 1, we will have 
sold more than 100,000 pounds within a 
year. And many farmers have expressed 
complete satisfaction with it. Even one 
county agent, after having planted some 
in the spring of 1945, recently said to us, 
“T am not afraid of it.” We ourselves 
seriously doubt that Kansas seed, for 
instance, 1s worth $7.00 per bushel more 
than Argentine, even when Kansas is 
available. If you need Alfalfa seed, the 
chances of success with Argentine are 
better than with seed produced in the 
southern regions of the United States. 
Price of Argentine seed, 99% pure, 
90% germination, Ib. 40 cts.; bus. 
$23.00. 
INOCULATE WITH NITRAGIN. Alfalfa seed treated with Nitragin grows more rapidly, 
matures in a shorter time, produces bigger crops, and enriches the soil for the benefit of the 
next crop. It costs only 15 to 20 cents to inoculate enough seed for a whole acre, and the re- 
sults obtained are well worth while. See page 6 for complete information concerning Nitra- 
gin, including prices. 


