cay 
THE WETSEL SEED COMPANY | 
Wetsel’s Adapted Alfalfa Seed 
How to Plant 
Sow 15 to 20 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 seedbed 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 phosphoric 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 established 
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. 
BUFFALO ALFALFA 
Certified Blue Tag 
Buffalo Alfalfa is an improved strain of Kansas-grown seed de- 
veloped from selected stocks from Kansas fields. Although in reality 
the same type of Alfalfa, it is an improved strain, being more re- 
sistant to wilt, blight and other diseases as a result of selecting the 
more healthy and vigorous stocks over a period of years. 
It has already demonstrated its superiority over the older or un- 
improved strains of so-called common Alfalfa, for in resisting wilt and 
producing more healthy stocks, it produces a greater yield and better 
quality of hay. The demand for Buffalo seed has spread like a 
prairie fire within the past year. 
On a four-year test at Staunton Research Station, Buffalo led 
with an average of 7430 pounds per acre, compared with 7265 pounds 
for Atlantic, 6997 for Williamsburg and 6538 for Kansas. 
According to reliable estimates, it will be two or three years before 
an adequate supply of seed will be available. By placing an early 
contract we have assured ourselves of a fair-sized stock for spring 
planting, but it won’t be nearly enough. We suggest that you get 
your requirements early. 
ATLANTIC ALFALFA 
Another comparatively new strain of Alfalfa, about which we know 
very little at present. Demand was good last fall at high prices— 
as high as 95 cts. per lb. Over-all national supply is apparently far 
below indicated needs. We have procured a limited supply and will 
get more if available supplies and local demand so dictates. Place 
your order early. 
KANSAS ALFALFA 
U. S. VERIFIED 
As pointed out here last year, the 1950 crop of Kansas Alfalfa seed 
was almost a complete failure. Very, very little seed was available 
from that crop. 
Because of floods and other adverse conditions, the 1951 crop is also 
very short. We are told that not enough seed was produced to supply 
the Kansas farmers. It is a known fact that large quantities of seed 
were purchased outside the state for fall and spring planting. We will 
have some seed,if it is available. 
Right now we have a large supply of Oklahoma seed, which is 
recognized as being equal to Kansas for this area. However, on a 
national scale, even the Oklahoma supply is limited. Better not 
wait too long to get your requirements! 
ALFALFA—AII F.O.B. Harrisonburg 
Lb. Bus. 
Oklahoma, Approved, Common................. $0 70 $41 50 
Utaht Common tes eee keer eee 71 42 00 
Uta Grimm aerstean reg eo ee On 72 42 50 
Wietsel:c SuperaG rim meee reer ee 73 43 00 
Argentine:#)... 20 tase Peek ei ee Eee = 50 29 00 
California:to. os cheno eae rene cis ee 43 25 00 
Buffalo< Certified Gra aes ee ee ee ne 87 51 00 
AtlanticCertified.20) 00:5 ee ee Ae 96 56 50 
22 
ALFALFA 
RANGER ALFALFA 
(See Photograph above) 
This is a new strain of Alfalfa, having actually been developed from 
crosses of several strains, much as hybrid corns and other crops are 
developed. Among other favorable factors, this provides a hardiness 
that is not present in most existing Alfalfas. 
However, some authorities doubt that the degree of hardiness 
provided by Ranger is needed in this area, with its comparatively mild 
climate. It, too, will be in short supply for several years, according to 
present estimates. We expect to have some seed from time to time, as 
supplies are available at prices that compare favorably with other 
strains. 
WETSEL’S SUPER ALFALFA 
This brand was established in 1946 to meet a long-standing and 
persistent demand for extra-hardy Alfalfa seed—that is, seed that was 
produced either at a high altitude or in a northwestern area, where 
the average winter weather is colder than in either Kansas or Okla- 
homa. Each year more farmers are content to pay the higher price, 
which amounts to a dollar or so per acre. 
Wetsel’s Super Alfalfa must meet certain rigid specifications. It 
must be of high quality in every respect—high in purity and ger- 
mination and low in weed content. Then, it must have been pro- 
duced in high altitude or a northwestern state. 
OKLAHOMA ALFALFA | 
APPROVED 
Oklahoma-grown Alfalfa seed—that is, the approved strain— 
gained much in popularity in the last couple of years. Because of 
the shortage of Kansas, it has virtually supplanted that type in 
popularity. 
We have sold and recommended it for more than thirty years and 
it has always given good results. Recently it has been recommended 
by the authorities at Blacksburg. Farmers themselves have become 
convinced that it is entirely satisfactory, and many have seen the 
folly of paying a higher price for Kansas seed. No one need be re- 
luctant to use it—even those who still prefer Kansas. 
GRIMM ALFALFA 
The chief difference between Grimm Alfalfa and the so-called 
Common strain is reflected in the root system and habit of growth. 
The Common variety is characterized by a long, straight (and 
sometimes very large) root—often called a ‘‘tap” root. It has very 
few small,.or feeder roots. In sharp contrast, Grimm roots are far 
more numerous, spread over a wider area, and are shorter. 
Grimm has its good points. It is not, however, regarded as superior 
to the Common strain on all soils or under all conditions. It is be- 
lieved that the young plants of Grimm hold to the ground better on 
soils that have a tendency to erupt during freezing and thawing winter 
months. Also, Grimm will often respond more quickly to rains (es- 
pecially light showers) after a dry spell. On the other hand, due to a 
shallow root system, it will suffer more and sooner from lack of rain. 
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 vage 28 for complete informa- 
tion concerning Nitragin, including prices. 
