Food Plots

Creating Your Food Plot

At Freeman Creek Equipment we are big advicates of wildlife management. As a result many folks in our community share their stories and experience from their hunting adventures with us, and it doesn't take much convincing for us to do the same! One of the advantages of being a dealer of small tractors and implements is we can help those folks looking to establish their own wildlife habitats and food plots. We wanted to take the time to share our outlooks and tips on creating your next food plot.

1. Determine the purpose of your food plot. Step one is figuring out what you want from your food plot. While most folks out there plant a food plot for deer, it certainly isn't the only species that can benefit with pheasants, turkeys, migratory birds, and even bees benefiting from a well thought out plot of land. Keep in mind as well the time of year you wish to see wildlife active, as there are a wide variety of plants to consider for summer and fall.

2. Soil testing. Anyone who has been to a Quality Deer Management event has heard of the importance of knowing what kind soil you have. The quality and effect your food plot has is largely determined by the nutrients your soil has to offer a plant. Getting your soil test is equivalent to having the answer sheet before a math test, it lays out what you would need for the plants you're thinking of using. We cannot state how important this is for the success of your food plot. 

3. Planting your food plot. So you've figured out what your going to plant and had your soil tested. Now comes the fun part of getting your food plot planted. You've worked your ground up with either a tiller or small disk and the rain has held off long enough for you to plant. There are a couple of methods to choose fromat this point. The first is using a drill. While effective and efficient, they are quite expensive. So we typically steer folks towards a more cost friendly method: broadcasting. This can be done simply by hand or (more commonly) with a spreader attachment on a tractor. 

4. Maintaing you food plot. Once you've planted your food plot the work is not over. Keeping your plot free of weeds and other pests can be just as important. Mowing back weeds and using safe insect prevention can help the succes of your food plot late into the season. 

We are a proud dealer of Land Pride implements for all the tractors we sell. If you have a food plot need, chances are Land Pride can provide you with the tools needed for every step to get the job done right.