Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 88, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1907 — Special Fodder Crops. [ARTICLE]

Special Fodder Crops.

A fodder crop of corn may be grown independently of the regular corn crop. Careful experiments made show that the fodder crop-produced with the ears is more valuable than may be supposed, and that a larger proportion of the fodder would be consumed If It could be properly cared for, so as to be kept in a bright condition. If hay was treated In the same manner as fodder it would be rejected, but even in the condition In which fodder Is given to stock they accept and consume a fair quantity of it. Farmers who have been careful with their fodder have found that when It was cut up fine with the feed cutter and fed in connection with ground oats, bran or other grain, not only ca.tie, but horses, have been brought safely through the winter In good condition, and at less cost than with any other kinds of food, tt l«r a willful waste of labor to carefully shock the fodder and then leave It, for, even if not destroyed by winds and mins in the field, it Is so deteriorated In quality as to be unacceptable to stock. Corn fodder can be made to assist the hay as food, but the point to observe, and which'ls shown by all experienced farmers, Is that corn fodder must be bright. Of course, when cut down In the field It must he done at the proper stage of growth, so as to hare the stalk as succulent as possible, and as soon as the ears are removed the fodder should be put under shelter. It Is too bulky a crop to put In the barn, but overlooking that point, more care should be used In shocking- It With the shredder or ensilage cutter a large portion can be prepared, and made ready for use, and It will not beat If the fodder Is well cured; but one method Is to have cheap sheds, under which the stalks can be stored, being packed in a manner to penult of a free circulation of air. It may be contended that It will coat too much to store under shelter, and that the corn can he fed more economically by throwing It into the barnyard. It will be betthr. however (If the corn is to be used In such manner) to make a change and shred all the stalks before throwing them Into the barnyard, nr they will than be serviceable for bad ding.