Episode 097 – Checking Boxes on Warm-season Food Plots
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In Episode 097 of Deer University, co-directors Jacob Dykes and Eric Mitchell welcome John Gritchie, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fishers and Parks' private lands program coordinator, to dive deep into warm-season food plots. The conversation centers on the strategic decision-making behind whether to plant summer forages, emphasizing that not all properties need them—especially those surrounded by agricultural land like soybeans. Key considerations include deer density, soil quality, site selection, and the balance between effort and return. John stresses the importance of soil testing and proper amendments, noting that pH and fertility are foundational to success. The episode explores forage selection, with cowpeas, American joint vetch, and reseeding soybeans highlighted as top performers, while also addressing challenges like weed pressure, insect damage, and the limitations of small plots. Practical advice includes using electric fencing for protection, avoiding double-cropping when possible, and prioritizing dedicated acreage for summer plots. The hosts also touch on the philosophical and ecological benefits of food plots over supplemental feeding, and the value of integrating natural weed communities that support turkeys and other wildlife. The episode concludes with a reminder of the wealth of resources available through MSU Deer Lab and MDWFP for landowners seeking detailed guidance. Key takeaways include: (1) Always assess your property’s needs before planting—don’t assume you need summer forages; (2) Soil testing and proper amendments are the most overlooked but critical first steps; (3) Choose forages based on deer density and weed pressure, with cowpeas and joint vetch being reliable options; (4) Consider no-till for efficiency and moisture retention, but be prepared for herbicide limitations; (5) Allow plots to mature fully before planting new crops to maximize forage production; (6) Accept some natural weeds—they can be valuable food sources for turkeys and other wildlife; (7) Use reseeding soybeans and joint vetch for long-term sustainability in low-density areas; (8) Treat food plots as part of a broader habitat management strategy, not just a harvest tool.
Assess your property’s landscape and deer density before planting summer forages—agricultural neighbors may eliminate the need.
Soil testing is the most critical, often overlooked step; poor pH renders fertilizer ineffective.
Cowpeas and American joint vetch are reliable, high-performing warm-season forages, especially in moderate deer densities.
No-till saves time and fuel but limits herbicide options—balance efficiency with weed control needs.
Avoid double-cropping summer and winter plots; dedicate separate acreage to maximize production.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and the Core Principle: Food, Water, Sunlight
The hosts introduce the episode’s central theme: all plants require food (in the soil), water, and sunlight to grow. This foundational concept sets the stage for discussing warm-season food plots as a way to check those boxes on a property.
Do You Even Need a Summer Food Plot?
“If you're in an agricultural landscape surrounded by soybeans, you probably don't have to plant a summer forage.”
Site Selection and Soil Health: The Foundation of Success
“If your soil pH is not where it needs to be, then you're just wasting money pouring fertilizer on the ground.”
Forage Selection: Matching Plants to Conditions
“If you have a very high deer density, you are not going to ever grow soybeans. You're going to have to look at something like cowpeas or lab lab.”
Planting Methods: Conventional vs. No-Till
The hosts compare conventional tillage and no-till planting, weighing factors like cost, efficiency, soil conservation, and equipment access. John notes that no-till saves fuel and time but may reduce forage yield slightly, while conventional till allows better lime incorporation.
“If your soil pH is not where it needs to be, then you're just wasting money pouring fertilizer on the ground.”
“If you're in an agricultural landscape surrounded by soybeans, you probably don't have to plant a summer forage.”
“If you have a very high deer density, you are not going to ever grow soybeans. You're going to have to look at something like cowpeas or lab lab.”
Hosts
Guest
John Gritchie
person
American Joint Vetch
other
cowpeas
other
Jacob Dykes
person
Eric Mitchell
person
Mississippi State University Deer Lab
organization
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fishers and Parks
organization
reseeding soybeans
other
okra
other
broadleaf signal grass
other
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