Food Plots Getting 5 acres cleared: What to Throw and Grow?

[FTG-05]

I've got about 5 acres I'm getting cleared in my back 20. The big hardwood trees will still be there, so it will mostly be in shadow vs full daylight. Getting rid of a lot of Tree of POS heaven, thank god.

What do you recommend to throw and grow on it? I doubt I'll have time to disc it, but the skid steer tracks have done a pretty good job of tearing up the dirt, so I think I'm good there.

Thanks,

 

[Bucket]

I always recommend buckwheat for a summer time soil builder. It only has about a 60 day lifespan, but it's beneficial to the soil and wildlife. It'll grow on a rock too.

 

[tellico4x4]

I always recommend buckwheat for a summer time soil builder. It only has about a 60 day lifespan, but it's beneficial to the soil and wildlife. It'll grow on a rock too.

X2

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[FTG-05]

I always recommend buckwheat for a summer time soil builder. It only has about a 60 day lifespan, but it's beneficial to the soil and wildlife. It'll grow on a rock too.

Funny you should mention rocks. :bash:

 

[deerfever]

I agree with the others , I have buckwheat in part of my field and it comes up nice and was easy. Another one I grew last year and have in part of my field this year that was easy and seems to grow most place is WGF grain sorghum. My field is mostly sun though so I don't know about the shade. Good luck!

 

[MickThompson]

Millet would be a good choice to add as well. Deer don't really use it but my first objective on new ground is to build soil not feed deer.

 

[FTG-05]

Is millet and buckwheat available at the local feed store or is it something that needs to be ordered?

Thanks,

 

[Bucket]

Any co-op or equivalent should have buckwheat; not sure about the millet.

 

[deerfever]

I got both the buckwheat and grain sorghum at my local co- op. Neither are that expensive to plant. Deer are starting to eat the tops out of the buckwheat but they will not mess with the sorghum till the seed head matures . I am pleased with how both come up. These pictures may be sideways but you will get how each looks. Pictures were taken May 26. Both have grown quiet a bit since then.

 

[FTG-05]

Any co-op or equivalent should have buckwheat; not sure about the millet.

Hwy 53 Feed and Seed din't have anything.

I'll be going to the Lincoln county coop Monday AM.

Thanks for the help!

 

[FTG-05]

I got both the buckwheat and grain sorghum at my local co- op. Neither are that expensive to plant. Deer are starting to eat the tops out of the buckwheat but they will not mess with the sorghum till the seed head matures . I am pleased with how both come up. These pictures may be sideways but you will get how each looks. Pictures were taken May 26. Both have grown quiet a bit since then.

That looks great!

 

[deerfever]

Thanks FTG -05 , I have it surrounded by clover in an L shape. I posted about the clover in a post below. I have another smaller field that I put grain sorghum and broadcast some sunflowers in. I enjoy doing it and have gotten lots of my advice from my local WMA guys that plant the fields. The TWRA guys are a great resource ! I have also learned a lot on here from reading and asking questions. My son loves to dove hunt so I try to plant things that benefit various wildlife. Deer density is not great in my area so I am hoping to attract all I can!