Would it be a waste of time to use whole milo in lieu of certified seed?

I doubt it would be a waste of time if all you're doing is a food plot.

But check your germination percentage first, soak 100 seeds in a warm damp paper towel for a few days and count how many germinate.

Used milo certified seed for several years until i found out it was a waste of money. Seed milo is expensive and IMO it is no better for a food plot than $10 a bag milo at the co-op.