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Wetzel’s Dependable Pasture and Grass Mixtures 
GONCERNING PASTURE 
AND SEEDSMEN 
It has become our practice to sort of editorialize in this space—to 
discuss new or significant trends in various phases of agriculture. 
For the past two years, we have emphasized the trend toward pasture 
as a substitute for or supplement to feed, pointing out that ‘‘Pasture 
Provides Cheapest Feed.’’ Because of the continued importance of 
pasture for livestock feed, its growing popularity and the pasture 
program that is being sponsored by the Governor of the state and the 
Departments of Agriculture, both Federal and state, we are again 
giving it primary consideration. 
The trend toward pasture has within recent months gained con- 
siderable momentum, having been accelerated, in Virginia at least, 
by the Governor’s Pasture Program. This program is being pro- 
moted by the Governor’s Pasture Committee, which consists of the 
heads of appropriate state departments, starting with the Com- 
missioner of Agriculture, department heads at Blacksburg, heads of 
all trade and many other state associations, editors of farm papers 
and related persons. 
Thus it will be seen that, as far as both seedsmen and farmers are 
concerned, this subject of pasture is still the ‘“‘top of the news.” 
But a mere desire to switch to pasture on the part of a farmer is not 
enough; nor is it enough for seedsmen to know that farmers are 
turning to pasture. In order for the farmer to proceed wisely and 
economically, he must acquire a great deal of information. Most 
farmers turn to seedsmen for information on the newest and best 
grasses, the right blends of grasses for various types of soil and 
degrees of fertility, and kinds and rate of fertilizer applications. 
Seed Business Has Become 
Very Technical 
Because of the technical knowledge that is required of seedsmen 
and the need to comply with intricate seed laws, Federal and state, 
the modern seed house serves as an indispensible link between the 
consumers of seeds and the producers, most of whom are located 
hundreds and thousands of miles away and at widely scattered 
points. 
Furthermore, the seedsmen—to a large extent through the state 
seed association—serve as a vital link between both producers and 
consumers of seeds and the Experimental Stations, state and Federal. 
For the Experimental Stations have found that they must work 
through seedsmen to a very large extent, in order to transmit their 
technical knowledge and information to the farmer. Admittedly, the 
County Agent provides a vital service in this connection, but the 
seedsmen enjoys a more consistent, direct and practical relation. 
Virginia Seedsmen’s Short Goursés 
The Virginia Seedsmen’s Association has for the past two years 
met at Blacksburg for the Seedsmen’s Short Course. In addition 
to lectures by specialists in various phases of agronomy, breeding, 
insect and disease control, soil fertility and fertilization, the seedsmen 
are directed through field inspections of many experiments. 
The accompanying photographs show the keen interest manifested 
by seedsmen and the ‘‘down-to-earth’”’ knowledge that is acquired. 
Most farmers have neither the time nor the basic qualifications for 
such examinations. The Short Course is just one of numerous 
meetings of a similar nature which we attend in the course of a year. 
It is all done that we may serve the farmer and gardener in a reliable 
and efficient manner. In short, it enables us to diagnose and pre- 
scribe in much the same manner as does a physician or other pro- 
fessional person. 
The above photograph shows a large area at Blacksburg where 
many experiments are carried on in the study of different grasses 
and legumes, including orchard grass, fescues, ladino, birdsfoot 
trefoil, alfalfa and clovers—in different blends and rates of seeding, 
with various combinations of commercial fertilizers, at differing 
rates of application and many other related tests. 
It is a source of pride and satisfaction that nothing which we have 
learned during the past year serves to nullify the views expressed in 
this page last year; i.e., (1) the trend toward pasture is still running 
strong, (2) there are many thousands of acres of waste land which 
can be converted into profitable production, (3) the basic information 
given here with respect to ‘‘best grasses for pasture”’ still holds, and 
(4) money that is prudently spent on fertilizer is not an expense— 
rather, itis a good investment. 
We were asked some time ago, by a prominent person in state 
agriculture who is very active in the development of pasture, ‘“‘if 
we were following the Governor’s Pasture Program.”’ Our reply 
was to the effect that we are not following but have been ‘‘right out 
in front’? of this movement for some years. In fact, our founder 
pioneered the trend toward pasture and almost 40 years ago urged 
the use of orchard grass, sweet clover and farm practices that have 
now become routine and commonplace. 
Virginia Seedsmen and Extension personnel examine another 
test plot at Blacksburg during Short Course. 
RESEEDING 
In general, a pasture that has less than a 50 percent stand of de- 
sirable grasses and legumes should be reseeded. The proper use of 
lime, liberal use of fertilizer and reseeding are the quickest ways to 
bring back a run-down pasture. 
FERTILIZER INCREASES GRAZING 
Tests made by the V. P. I. Dairy Department on a fairly good 
blue grass sod showed that a well-fertilized pasture produced 60 to 70 
percent more feed than unfertilized pasture. Proper fertilization 
will provide two weeks later grazing in the fall and two weeks earlier 
grazing in the spring. The value of pasture is determined to a large 
extent by how quick new growth comes back after being grazed off. 
An abundant supply of plant food is necessary for a quick comeback. 
ONE FIELD NOT ENOUGH 
The greatest number of days of grazing cannot be had with one 
pasture field. A system of pastures must be developed, using mixtures 
that give high yields at different times of the year. 
SEEDING DATES 
Seed after the first good rain in August and up to September 15, 
or during February, March and April. 
MIXTURE FOR 
MOIST BOTTOM LAND 
Composed of eight grasses and clovers, as follows: 6 lbs. Kentucky 
31 Fescue, 1 lb. Ladino Clover, 2 lbs. Red-Top, 3 lbs. Timothy and 
2 lbs. White Dutch Clover—a total of 14 lbs. per acre. The price of 
this combination at press time is $8.10. 
MIXTURE FOR 
NORTHERN PIEDMONT AND 
WEST OF BLUE RIDGE 
No. 1. Not adapted to shallow, drought-type soils. Orchard Grass 
8 lbs., Ladino Clover 2 lbs., Korean Lespedeza 8 lbs. Approximate 
price per acre, $6.70. 
WETSEL’S PASTURE MIXTURE 
The following is the combination of grasses that we have recom- 
mended for quite a few years. It has acquired something of a reputa- 
tion as a good, comparatively low-cost pasture mixture: 7 lbs. Korean 
Lespedeza, 6 lbs. Orchard Grass, 3 lbs. Timothy, 2 lbs. Alsike Clover. 
Sow in February, March and April on small grain crops or old sod. 
Approximate cost at press time, $4.33 per acre. 
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