ARTICHOKE FOR FODDER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 10 March 1928, Page 16

ARTICHOKE FOR FODDER.

The value of the artichoke for pigs is stresLsed in a current journal as “A New Fodder” but it has been grown for some years in farms in Taranaki, and at the Experimental Farms and strongly advocated by Mr. J. W. Deem on many occasions. Its outstanding qualities are its heavy cropping powers, its freedom from disease, its ability to withstand all sorts of weather and the ease with which it can be cultivated. On good ground this plant will yield as must as a gallon of tubers to the root, and although a moderately wet season suits it better than a dry one it will always give a fair return, and sometimes a very good one. Even on the poorest soil the plant will yield moderately well, but it pays, for good cultivation, and is then not at all particular as to the nature of the actual soil. The artichoke, therefore, has many points in its favour as compared with the. potato, and it is said in its natural state it is equal in feeding value to the more popular tuber when the latter lias been cooked. That the pig thrives on them has been definitely ascertained, and the animal can, if need be. be turned out to find the tubers for himself. It is, however, the case that the artichoke forms its tubers late in the season, and the crop is not ready until the haulm has completely died away.