MILLING LUCERNE IN CALIFORNIA.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 46, 15 June 1917, Page 7

MILLING LUCERNE IN CALIFORNIA.

A new phase of the milling induy try has come into being in Oalifoiaia within the past few ycofs. This is the manufacture of lucerne meal. At first it had a slow growth, b'H persistent effort on the part of promoters finally triumphed. Lucerne meal is one of the staple commodities found in nearly every feed store on the Pacific Coast. It has been discovered that this is the most economical method of putting lucerne hay on the market. This class of forage waa first put on the market loose ; then it was baled, but at best there was much waste. The leafage, which, on being dried, is very tender and brittle, shells badly in handling, and thus the more valuable part of the hay ;9 lost.

In feeding out was also a waste in roughage. Sheep, are inclined to leave the coarser stalks, and these leavings are in some cases fed to cattle, who are not quite so fastidious.

But the grinding of lucerne hay into meal has not yet been ?ufty adapted to general stock feeding, but as a feed for pigs, dairy cows, and poultry it has been found par excellence, The milling process not only reduces the leafage of the plant to a fino powder, but grinds all the roughage • to such a consistency as to be perfectly edible, and thus the entire bulk of the forage is made available for animal food.

The California lucerne mill thus far is a stal ionary affair, and the machinery of a very simple character.

It is probable, however. ■ that port* able mills will be invented, whereby the lucerne hay may be converted into meal in the field, and then a greater saving of fibre bo acconn pllshed. The milling of lucerne, again, is a very dusty process, and injurious to those operating the mills, who are compelled to not only dampen the hay before being milled, "but to wear moistened sponges over their mouths and nostrils while at work, Theso difficulties will no doubt be obviated by improved mechanical appliances. The milling of lucerne hay In California has greatly stimulated the culture of the plant, and the industry is in a very flourishing condition. It is also bringing about improved cultural methods, especially in the way of securing pure culture, as weedy and foul lucerne will- hardly do for conversion into meal. Lucerne is packed in 100 lb. sacks, and the commodity retails at about £4 9s. par ton.—“ Milling Journal.”