With the 2011 whitetail season in the past, it is time to start thinking about the future! In the last three years, I have become just as obsessed with food plots as I previously was and currently am with mature bucks. On my farm, we have established some nice destination plots and taken advantage of most of the available open ground in the hardwoods and brush areas with brassica harvest plots. The 2012 planting season will be the third consecutive year of brassicas on the same soil. I am not yet at the point where I understand the science behind the parts of agriculture that tell us or dos and dont’s, but I know I need to start cycling in other crops in order to keep this soil healthy.
I am hoping to integrate some clover into my destination plots because I want to have healthy food available for our four legged friends in early spring. I am also becoming more and more interested in perennials. I want to keep expanding the network of food on my property but there are only so many hours in the day for a weekend warrior to get it all done. Whether it be mowing, fertilizing or spraying, it seems like a food source that will continue to sprout every spring will save at least one step and some seed costs in the future.
I have three questions:
1. What are other types of perennials, besides clover, that will produce some tonnage and good early spring to mid-summer forage?
2. Are there any perennials you guys like to use on smaller ¼-1/2 acre harvest plots that will grow enough food to last into November? Ideally without getting eaten down to the dirt before we can pick up our bow for the season?
3. What are some other annual crops that you guys plant to give the soil some time to rebound before brassicas can go back in? Have I mentioned I love brassicas?
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