RE: what works better then soybeans?
I plant iron/clay peas here in East Texas. We basically have the same weather conditions and climate. The peas are very drought tolerant, and rebound from grazing very well. The deer usually won't start eating them until mid summer if you plant in spring. However, they will last up until fall,. I had deer in my plot in Nov. They are appx $35 per 50 lbs., and that will cover abot 3/4 to 1 acre. The deer absolutely love them. Fertilizer and lime will certainly help but it is not mandatory, these plants are very durable and tolerant to a hot climate. Give em a try.