April 16, 1921
Replies to a questionnaire on sweet clover sent out a short time ago to farmers of Wexford County show a tremendous increase in the use of this legume, according to William F. Johnston, agricultural agent. These returns show an estimate of 822 farms averaged four acres each seeding in 1920 or 3,288 altogether. These fields will furnish a crop of hay and a seed crop this season. As these are new crops to the great majority, care must be exercised to prevent a large loss. For instance the hay should be cut just before the sweet clover comes to blossom to prevent the hay becoming woody. Care must be exercised in putting the hay in cocks to prevent the leaves from shattering. Carelessness on these two points loses about 65% of the feeding value of the hay amounting to over $20,000 in the county on the estimated acreage. As sweet clover sprouts from the roots, it is necessary to cut high enough to leave at least five branches. This will be from 6 to 8 inches high according to the age of the plant. Many men have ruined their sweet clover field by cutting to low. The second crop may be used for seed. Care must be exercised to prevent great loss as the seed shatters very easily. Where the plants are not too large a grain binder with pans constructed under the elevator apron and knotter and canvass covered racks will save a large percentage of loss. Instances are reported showing 50% of seed yield saved in the pans and rack covers. The seed crop amount to around $50,000 at a three-bushel-per-acre yield and a $5 price. Where plants are very large and sprangling the corn binder has been found the most satisfactory cutting device. Answers to the questionnaire also show and estimate of 6,136 acres of sweet clover that are going to be seeded this spring. This probably makes Wexford County the leading county of the state in acres of sweet clover. The campaign inaugurated a year ago by the County Farm Bureau toward getting in sweet clover to repair as fast as possible the ravages of the grasshoppers during the past years has proven a great success according to the Agricultural Agent. One farmer was heard to make the remark that possibly in time to come we might recognize the grasshopper has been a blessing in disguise inasmuch as it would have been directly responsible for the rapid increase in cultivation of this plant which will furnish us more nitrogen, humus, feed and seed than any other we can grow.