FORAGE CROPS

Gulgong forage plot (Dept of Agriculture), 1911
Source: NSW State Archives

Gulgong forage plot (Dept of Agriculture), 1911
Source: NSW State Archives

1911 - GRAIN AND SILAGE. - Experiments Near Gulgong.

On the property of Mr. Arthur Croft, near Gulgong, the Department of Agriculture is conducting an experiment with maize, sorghum, and cow-peas, of different varieties, with and without manure, to test the suitability of these crops for local climatic conditions for the production of grain and silage. The experiment covers some 10 acres of land. The methods of cultivation, sowing of the crop, and the after treatment have been kept on a commercial basis. The object is to demonstrate the cost of the operation, and the net return to the farmer.

Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 16 Feb 1911 Page 13

1911 - Experiments With Forage Crops.
Silage is now recognised as a sound business proposition for all farmers on account of the recurrence of drought or dry conditions...
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Wed 29 Mar 1911 Page 8

1911 - MAIZE IN THE WEST.

Yellow Dent maize proved superior in every case, giving the highest yield of fodder and the greatest number of cobs. It was so promising that at three places it was left for grain. At Gulgong it showed special aptitude as a grain producer. The greater quantity of stalks and cobs yielded by this variety was largely due to the fact that it tasselled later than the other varieties sown, and had rain at the tasselling time; while at the other plots — in which were Cocke's Prolific, Clarence Wonder, and Kennedy — the maize was at the stage of tasselling and forming the cob when the weather was dry.

Source: The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931) Fri 17 Nov 1911 Page 2