Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1879 — Save The Hay. [ARTICLE]

Save The Hay.

The fact seems pointed that hay will be scarce before next spring unless means are used to carefully save any surplus that may be had. by farmers throughout the country. Timothy in Chicago is worth thirteen dollars per ton, but Chicago is probably better supplied with hay than almost any other city in the Union. There is a vast country tributary to it, and as to Rome, so all roads seem to lead to it. In Springfield, 111., hay has lately sold for sixteen dollars per ton; ia Louisville, Ky., it sold-for twenty dollars per ton. The Prairie Farmer is not given to prophecy. It does not believe in guessing at the future, nevertheless it sometimes makes statements predicated upon the Sects for the future. Why we 3t a scarcity of hay, and consequently high prices, is from these facts. 1. The hay crop of 1879 is not large over extended areas anywhere in the United States. 2. Pastures, although now in fair condition, have been veiybare, and very many farmers have had to feed for the last month. This has seriously depleted the stacks. Some time since in view of the fact of a probable scarcity of hay, and in view of the situation here in connection with the oss of fodder crops in England, we urged the necessity of saving hay. The point is just here, it will pay to save hay m any feasible way this year, in view of a possible want. Corn stalks well saved are fully as good as the best meadow hay, ton for ton of eatable product. Clear, bright straw is almost one-half as good. Therefore the farmer who has plenty of good corn fodder and plenty of good straw, can, by feeding corn, save largely on hay Let us figure upon this question. Hay is worth, in Chicago thirteen dollars per ton; corn is worth forty-three cents per bushel. A ton will require thirty-five and twothirds bushels, worth $15,33 per ton. This will make pretty nearly an even thing between the best hay and corn. When com is cheaper and hay dearer, the footing will be on the other side. Bran is worth $9.25, shorts $9.50 and middlings eleven dollars per ton. Therefore so far as these commodities may be used, they are cheapest. With good hay, fully one-half of the feed maybe a mixture of bran, shorts and middlings. When hay is dear and com is cheap and straw is plenty, straw and com will winter horses, mules, and cattle perfectly. With plenty of com and what straw cattle will eat, they may be fattened thus economically. From present appearances, we think it will pay farmers to save all the hay possible, in view of higher prices.— Prairie Farmer. I