Velvet Bean
NEW SUMMER FODDER. SUITABLE FOR SUB-TEOPICAL DISTRICTS. A new summer fodder crop of prolific growth, has been introduced to dairymen on the far North Coast of New South Wales. This is the velvet bean, and, after a trial, it has been received with unanimous appreciation. Hailing from Southern India, it is suitable only for sub-tropical districts and this season the Department of Agriculture has conducted field trials with 20 farmers in (lie Richmond and Tweed areas. These farmers all record “wonderful” and “remarkable” growth iu a season that proved too dry for most o'her summer crops, and tho aim of all has been to save the seed to plant increased areas. The velvet beau Ims the reputation of beina- a rather shy feeder, but in these demonstrations good seed yields were general. The weight of green fodder ranged to 30 tons an acre. As a legume, tins Indian bean has an added food value for dairy cows in providing a balanced ration in combination with the übiquitous paspalum. A Tyalgum farmer experimented in Hcding the beans and vines to pigs when the seed was quite mature. In comparison with maize, the results were definitely in favour of tho bean. Tho. pigs were marketed earlier and in better condition than those fed ou maize.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 211, 7 September 1936, Page 4
Word Count
215Velvet Bean Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 211, 7 September 1936, Page 4
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