End of season feeed

[K9kodi]

When this season comes to an end I’d like to do something for the preggers does and the bucks coming down from going nutso. This is also the second year i will be hunting this piece and have cart blanche within reason. I will have a 40hp tractor, are post season food plots worth a dam or am I better off with a feeder and grain? If post season food plots are legit; what would I put in the ground?

 

[S-3 ranch]

Depends where you’re located and how much work and time you’re willing to put in to the project

 

[Matthew Mahgerfteh]

Depends on the size.

 

[K9kodi]

Sorry, middle of Va. not the mountains, not the coast, I believe it’s referred to as the piedmont region. I have some pasture that is fenced off from cows, maybe 1.5 acres I can mess with, doesn’t have to be The whole thing. I have a thinned cut. Basically 2-3 years ago loggers came in and took all the pines off of a 150 acre section leaving just the hard woods. It’s really pretty. I have all the open area on the ground and the old logging platform. I have miles of 2 track trails through the woods and pastures as well. Many creeks and the property is 2300 acres on a lake, I’m focusing on one section (800 acres)

 

[TreeDux]

Good plots are fun and can be rewarding. They can also be a lot of work and expense. Sounds like you have a sweet setup though, so let’s think about it. That time of year your primary options,in my mind, are cereal grains. Rye, wheat, and oats. Cheap enough and easy to get started but for this exercise it’s basically grass. Brassicas may work at that time of year if you have a good extended forecast with mild temps and a little rain.

You mentioned a section of pasture so before you disturb it, identify what’s there now. You might already have some clover, for example. Unless it’s pure fescue you might get more benefit from selective herbicide/lime/ fertilizer. That can release existing forms and limits soil disturbance

On that subject, go ahead and get a soil test now. That service is free or cheap through the county extension office. And it will provide a wealth of information on your soil properties and what your soils be lacking in terms of nutrients in pH.

You might also achieve many of your post season goals with mineral sites. Regardless you have a lot of options so have fun with it.