ISBELL’S FARM SEEDS 





ISBELL’S DEPENDABLE ALFALFA SEED 
DON’T RISK LOSS FROM QUESTIONABLE SEED 
Alfalfa, the most essential hay crop, is of such vital importance that a failure is little short of 
a major disaster on most farms. By planting seed of known origin and proven adaptability, a good 
seeding is assured, weather and other conditions being normal. Naturally, Michigan Grown seed is 
desirable, but as there was only a small quantity produced last season, seed from other states must 
be relied upon for most of the acreage this year. We offer quality seed from the best producing 
districts. 
KANSAS ALFALFA 
Verified Origin Seed 
Owing to the scarcity of Alfalfa seed 
grown in the far northern states during the 
last few years, much more Kansas Grown seed 
has been used and undoubtedly even larger 
quantities will be sown here this year. 
Weather conditions in Kansas last season were 
most favorable for economical production of 
high quality Alfalfa seed. Because of the high 
yields, Kansas Alfalfa seed is very reasonable 
in-price and is much lower than seed of com- 
parable quality grown in far northern areas. 
Kansas seed is plump, heavy, bright colored, 
and high in purity and germination. 
In the central and western part of Kansas 
where our seed was grown, low winter tem- 
peratures prevail and there is less snow cover- 
age than in many other areas. Kansas Alfalfa 
seed has long been noted for producing bum- 
per crops of hay, and has been planted suc- 
cessfully in Michigan for forty years. 
Dakota-Minnesota Alfalfa 
Alfalfa seed produced in the Dakotas and Minnesota 
must withstand unusually severe conditions, both in 
winter and summer in order to survive. Extremely low 
temperatures in winter, with alternate freezing and 
thawing, biting sharp winds, snowdrifts and bare 
ground all combine to make it tough for any but the 
hardiest strains to survive and produce seed. Also the 
summers are dry, often over long periods, which tests 
its ability to withstand severe draught, while frosts late 
in the spring and early in the fall are further hazards 
it must withstand. 

UTAH ALFALFA 
Hardy, High Altitude Grown 
The Utah Alfalfa seed we offer was grown 
in the high altitude Delta section of Utah, 
where the winters are extremely severe. Tem- 
peratures in that area have been recorded. as 
low as 30 degrees below zero. Utah Alfalfa 
seed from the Delta area is hardier than some 
seed produced in regions where the seed is 
classified as Northern Grown, and is con- 
sidered hardier than seed produced farther 
north on irrigated lands, at lower altitudes. 
Our Utah seed is of excellent quality, high in 
purity and germination and is well suited for 
growing in Michigan and adjoining states. 
ARGENTINE ALFALFA 
Because of the shortage of native grown 
alfalfa seed, every available source of supply 
has been canvassed in order to get sufficient 
seed to supply the need for this. While the 
use of Argentine Alfalfa seed is still in the experimental 
stage in Michigan, the few tests made so far have been 
encouraging. Pennsylvania reports fields of Argentine 
Alfalfa that withstood their severe winters for three 
seasons. Our Argentine seed comes from the southern, 
mountainous region, in the south temperate zone, where 
the climate is cooler. This seed is called “cool climate” 
seed to distinguish it from that grown in the warmer 
section of the same country. The price of this seed is 
lower than the price of Red Clover, so that the cost of 
an experimental plot is very small. We suggest trying 
a few rods at the side of a field, to find out for your- 
self, how well it is adapted to conditions on your farm. 

Naturally, alfalfa seed produced under such severe conditions is especially 

suitable for growing in Michigan and nearby states where growing conditions 
are somewhat similar but less severe. Our Dakota-Minnesota grown seed is a 
splendid high quality lot, which is bright and plump, showing a high purity 
test and good germination. Some of the other northwestern areas experienced 
early killing frosts and bad weather during the Alfalfa seed harvesting season, 
which resulted in weather and frost damaged seed of lower quality and poor 
appearance. For this reason there is a great scarcity of seed from some of the 
best producing districts. 
ISBELL’S RED CLOVER 
Michigan Red Clover Seed has always been classed as the highest quality 
produced anywhere. It is always in demand, but this season there is not 
enough seed to supply all the growers who want this. The clover seed crop in 
Michigan was smaller than usual last season and way below normal. This was 
true of both Medium, Red, or June, and Mammoth Red Clover. We strongly 
urge everyone who intends to sow Red Clover Seed to order this as soon as 
possible, the sooner the better. 
MICHELITE BEANS 
Michelite was developed at the Michigan State Experiment Station to meet 
Michigan conditions for a high yielding, disease resistant pea or navy bean. 
The beans are uniform in size so that they screen out very little in processing. 
They are glossy white in coloy and of fine flavor when cooked. Michelite is 
resistant to mosaic and field blight and is early maturing. It has already 
proven to be one of the heaviest yielding varieties under Michigan conditions. 
For best results, the recommended planting date is June 1st to 10th. We have 
certified seed and also uncertified seed of known origin, both of which are 
absolutely dependable. Owing to the anticipated great demand for seed beans 
this season, we suggest ordering well in advance of the planting season. It pays 
to inoculate seed beans with “‘Nitragin’? for maximum yields. 

