—lancaster Farming, Saturday. May 14,1977 106 Harvesting is key to alfalfa’s value NEW HOLLAND, Pa. - Alfalfa has been one of the most sought-after farm crops in recent months. In areas hardest hit by drought, such as Minnesota, supplies are exhausted and alfalfa has been transported 1200 to 1500 miles to dairymen seeking to maintain their herds. Premium prices have been paid for such alfalfa, making it one of the major cash crops recently. It is such conditions which have confirmed again, not only the basic value of alfalfa as a cash crop, but the dependence of a significant segment of agriculture such as dairying on it as a primary feed. Hie key to alfalfa’s value as a cash crop and a dairy feed, centers on modem harvesting techniques to maintain top quality of the a', s' PC jfe w crop, according to Sperry New Holland. The basic principle of reducing harvesting time by using one machine to both cut and condition a crop now has been expanded to provide additional ad vantages for farmers. Increased alfalfa acreage to fill the growing demand, such as was apparent this year, has created a need for units with greater cutting and conditioning capacity. Machines with 12-foot cuts and more than 9-foot-wide conditioning rolls have been developed in both pull-type and self-propelled models, Sperry New Holland says. Another important guideline to judge the value of a mower-conditioner is its dual capability to either swath or windrow. This gives greater versatility to meet varying weather conditions. Coupled with greater capacity, today’s harvesting requires gentler handling of the crop to preserve its feed value. Elimination of the auger in mower-conditioners provides such gentle han dling. A header with con verging reels picks up the crop and delivers it directly to the conditioning rolls. These reels also provide a sweeping action for a clean cut in a down and tangled crop. Read has designed the single most flexible bulk feed system in the world. And basic to the a system is the new Read bulk feed bin, a product m ] WKm of intensive research and development, and a ■ J i 1 promise of superior quality. The Standard Others Follow. Access Ladder ai Safety Hand Rails Available w Double Bolting on Vertical Seams Greater Strength, Longer Life Galvanized or Painted Legs THOMAS FARM SYSTEMS. f—H INC- i \ , I 57 W. Mam St ! \ I Leola. PA 17540 j Jim Thomas \ Phone (717)656-2577 ws* Sure-Seal Galvanized Pneumatic Fill Kit The new officers of the Lower Capp, and Brenda Hooker. Back row Dauphin Future Farmers ot America left to right are: Dave Shriner, Steve chapter are: (front row left to right) Fackler, Dan Geeseman, and Sheila Dee Spittle, Michelle Henry, Donna Weaver, Ich Vent For more information complete this coupon and return to: THOMAS FARM SYSTEMS, INC. Leola, PA 17540 Name Address City Phone [lncluded in Pneumatic Fill Kit NOW WITH A SIX-YEAR GUARANTEE. It-up Hatch Assembly - irGround Operation iproved Skirted Roof (Standard) Excellent Weather Protection New, Improved Slide Gate to Control Material Flow New. Stronger Gussett and Channel Brace System iw Flo Full Valve- All Steel and Weather Tight— Gives Choice of Auger Angle— -4 and 6 Auger or Flexible Auger System Available State Zip R 5/14