Yes, this is quite possible. In fact agronomists say

Yes, this is quite possible. In fact agronomists say TDN from a yield of 3 1/2 tons clover cost $2.27 per hundred pounds while 100 pounds of TDN from Alfalfa run around $2.34 when the yield is 4.75 tons per acre. These calculations were based on average Virginia costs and I assume were based on last winter's prices. Remember, too, there is a difference in TDN of the same kind of hay. For instance, results of 13 Alfalfa analysis on Rappahannock samples showed a TDN spread Of 3.1%, while clover hays tested varied as much as 5.4%. « If we attempt to localize TDN costs of these two crops, based on Rappahannock census yields and state costs, we j»me up with a $2.30 cost per 'TOO lbs. TDN on both Red Clover and Alfalfa with no cost allowed for spraying for weevil control I BUT we can't accept these calculations as being sufficient reasons for Joe Doe to grow, or not to grow. Alfalfa. If Joe will come by the office and bring his farm records, we have forms where by production costs can be calculated. To be included in production costs are such items as: preparation of the seed bed, lime, fertilizer, seed, innoculant, labor, machine and prorating these establishment costs on a yearly basis. Add the annual costs for top dressing, spray materials, machine, and labor costs for doing these Jobs as .well as harvesting and storing costs plus fixed costs, etc. When these are calculated on a per ton basis, then on TDN, the farmer is getting somewhere and only then. To use John Doe's costs could fool Joe and in a big way too. Another angle to be consider ed is that although TDN from Alfalfa may prove a bit higher than that from clover on his