Getting the food plot itch

With temps going to be in the 50’s this next week all I can think about is playing in the dirt. I’m ready for an early spring. Anyone know what the snow depth is in NW MN? Might have to go plow the fields to give them a head start.
DT

We were up in NE MN last weekend to my property. There was only about 5-6 inches of snow on the ground, which is way below normal for that area.

But as a result of the low snow cover and the cold February, things are frozen SOLID and deep. Normally, the creek on the neighbor’s cattle ranch has open spots all through the year. This winter, the creek is 100% frozen through its whole length. They’ve had to haul water since early January for the cattle.

So unfortunately, while the snow may be gone sooner, that may not be a good indicator as far as how soon you can start working ground. I think the key is going to be how sustained are the above 40 degree temps and that will determine when we can all get to work.

I’m getting all my gear together these days. Need new tires on the disc, just bought a new broadcast seeder, etc. Want to be officially ready when it’s go time.

Grouse

DT,
The Weather Street website has snow cover data. You can type in a city and then look at the LOCAL AREA SNOW DEPTH.

http://www.weatherstreet.com/weather-forecast/minnesota-snow-cover.htm

I’ll be at the farm in Fergus this weekend and can give you an update. Last time up was late January and there was only a trace of snow then. Don’t think we have had any major snow events up there since.

I laid out all my food plot plans in a word document last week. Gonna be another busy spring, but I can’t wait to get going!!!

What seeder did you buy Grouse? I think Im going to buy one to mount on the front of the wheeler. My pull behind rocks back and forth while pulling.
DT

I got an Agrifab tow behind. It’s not optimal, but for the price I couldn’t find anything better.

I’d like to hear your experience from the electric ATV spreader. I looked at a few of them online, the reviews tended not to be very favorable.

My ultimate solution is a 3 point for a tractor, so until then I’m trying to just get something functional to get by for a few years.

Grouse

We already have a 3 point spreader. I just wasn’t sure how that would work with the smaller seed. I do like my pull behind when the ground in perfectly level but it can get annoying when side hilling or hitting ruts.
DT

I was at the farm over the weekend, no snow left at all. Not even in the woods. The plots are drying up nicely. I really wanted to get the tractor out and mow them, but I didn’t. Couple more weeks then we can get going on them.

I did mow the plots at home last night and wouldn’t you know it I buried the mower Got it out and finished them. The can dry up a little faster with direct sunlight.

deertracker wrote:

We already have a 3 point spreader. I just wasn’t sure how that would work with the smaller seed. I do like my pull behind when the ground in perfectly level but it can get annoying when side hilling or hitting ruts.
DT

There are many out there who seem to have a lot of experience and claim the best food plot seeders are the hand-driven “bag seeders”. They’re pointing to exactly what you’re saying, the seem to reliably handle fine seed a lot better than anything else.

My main purpose for the tow behind is more spreading fertilizer. I just have to be able to do this stuff myself and even with an 80 pound capacity I should be able to do each plot in 4-5 fills of the spreader, which is acceptable. I can also use it around home.

Grouse