I would concentrate on the apple orchard, particularly if it is not graized or harvested. The apples provide one food source already. Plant clovers in it by one way or the other and keep it mowed and fertilized. This should provide an area that has two food sources that deer like.

An electric fence is easier and quicker to put up then a barb wire fence. Another advantage of it is that it will do a better job of keeping cows out then a barb wire fence. Disadvantages are that you need to get electric to it and maintain the fence at regular intervals (this may not mean anymore then checking to see if all the wires still have current).

Top seeding clovers in hay fields can have variable success rates.

Most farmers are pretty independent and don' t like to be told what to do. Sounds kind of funny that he is not using the hayfields to harvest hay. Are you sure they are not CRP land.

I presume you know this, but if you are there to help reduce crop damage, be sure to take a fair share of does and don' t try to build up the heard.