WhitetailSoldier, this is the answer I got from a DNR Land Manager with 25 years experience. (he does lots of food plots)

Kicking hedge balls into a pile = baiting. (the 'placing/manipulation' restriction comes into play)

Hunting over naturally fallen hedge balls that haven't been moved is okay.

Planting turnips, beets or whateverand hunting over them is okay.

Pulling up the turnips for the deer = baiting (this is covered by the 'manipulation' rule)

So the deer have to dig them out themselves.

I hope that helps!

Christine