Prairie Grass

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 12

Prairie Grass

A suggestion was made the other day that pure sowings of prairie grass should be of value cn a dairy farm.

The gentleman making the suggestion pointed out four facts concerning this grass, viz:—lt does not stand ordinary grazing; it is a most succulent feed; it is a wonderful winter grower; it could be cut and fed out.

His suggestion was that a half-acre sown down on each farm, well topdressed, would provide far more and quite as valuable and cheaper feeding than is now obtained from green oats. The early summer growth could be used for ensilaged and the later growth for hay or green feeding, if required owing to a dry spell. The winter growing capacity "would make it an invaluable green-feed producer during the lean months of .June, July and August. Anyone wishing to make a trial could sow down a patch next month on a piece of mangel ground. The ground could be surface cultivated with discs and narrows. Sow' the seed, then harrow and roll it down.

The-seed gives about 90 per cent germination, and a good sowing can be made with 211bs per acre. The cost of this is 21/3 per acre (8/G per bushel). The establishment cost is not high and the possibilities are distinctly encouraging.

“Observer” would be pleased to hear from any farmer who has hacl experience on the lines suggested.