Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 217, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 September 1912 — SHALL I BUILD A SILO? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SHALL I BUILD A SILO?

By J. H. Skinner,

Chief of Animal Husbandry Department, Purdue Experiment Station. Purdue University Agricultural Extension.

Many fal-mers are at this time confronted with the following questions: “Will it pay me to build a silo, and what are the essentials of a good silo?" The farmer who is seriously considering the question of building a silo should first take into account his system of farming, the amount of stock kept on the farm, the possibility of increasing the productiveness of his farm, by means of live stock, and the possibility of reducing the cost of producing his stock, and thereby in l creasing the profits from the stock and the farm as a whole. The Advantages of the Silo. Silage has many distinct advantages over other farm feeds. Frequently farmers hesitate to build a silo because of the apparently large first expense. Considering the advantages one may readily lose sight of the cost. Silage provides palatable, succulent feed, which promotes health and thrift in cattle and sheep. It protects against drought, short crops and dry pastures, greatly Increases the carrying capacity of the farm, and cheapens production; it makes possible the complete utilization of the corn crop muqh of which is frequently wasted, and leaves the fields clean for other crops and the manure in a condition which is more easily and readily handled. The silo provides the most practical, economical means of harvesting and storing feed. Like the corn crib, the silo should never be empty, as silage can be fed at all times. The Purdue Experiment station has thoroughly demonstrated that silage is profitable for beef and dairy cattle, and sheep. Experiments have repeatedly shown that more rapid and

cheaper gains and greater profit can be made where silage is fed to fattening cattle and sheep than where it is not. Silage may also be fed to horses. Many prominent breeders and feeders in various parts of the state have found the silo a profitable investment. Do not be afraid to put money into a silo, as it will make you more money. Corn is the most satisfactory crop for the silo. Progressive farmers should endeavor to use the entire corn crop, as about 37 per cent, of the value of this crop is found in the stalk. The farmer with a silo has no worry in regard to scarcity of feed. Essentials of a Good Silo. There are several essentials in any good silo. It should have a good, strong foundation and* floor; strong, rigid, smooth, air-tight walls; a convenient satisfactory door, which can be made air-tight when the silo is filled. The silo should be substantially built of good material. Wood, brick, concrete and glazed tile are all being used successfully In the construction of silos. The chief important differences in these materials are the cost and the durability. 1 It will not pay to build anything but a circular or round silo. The roof while desirable is not absolutely essential. The greater the height of the silo, within safe limits, the better will be the quality of the silage. There are many different types of silos and many different manufacturers, and the farmer who contemplates erecting a silo will do well to investigate these ihatters. Careful attention should be given to the condition of the crop at the time of filling, and the methods of distributing and packing.

A Good Silo Is a Profitable Investment.