Corn vs other plantings
 

As mentioned in my earlier post, I am new to the food plot business and know next to nothing about it.

The land we purchased has about 7 acres of corn on it, which the deer seemed to love and really use. But, are there other planting that will give our herd more nutritional benefit and be as strong of an attractant?

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

You've got plenty of choices. Ladiino Clover, Rape, Red Clover. And that's not all, there are plenty of different plantings at hand. I'd suggest planting 2-4 strips of different foods, see which they prefer. Austrian Winter peas are great, but they must be protected during first growth. When just emerging, deer will pull them out by the roots, thus the end of the plot. Some kind of barrier for the first two weeks, then they can hold their own. Oats or Wheat can be planted with the Clover as a companion crop and when they frost back, the clover will take over. The choices are great; there are Iron Clay Peas, Soybeans, etc. Check the posts on here, everyone has their own favorite planting. Some require a lot of care, and others you can plant ond forget. You're farther South of me and your plantings will last longer in the fall before a frost. There are some annuals that work great, the the downfall is you have to replant each year.
Good Luck.

Russ

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

With 7 acres available and if you have the equipment than you are in a good situation. The downfall, as you probably already know, is that corn is not a year-round food source. Fortunately there are many seed varieties sold on the market that will give the deer a good nutritional boost all year and also draw them in. You could still plant some portion of your acreage in corn if it is drawing the deer in real good now. As the previous fellow said, experiment the deer will eat what they like. Also with 7 acres you have enough land to try both perennials and annuals if you would like. Annuals are tough on those that don't have much land available to plant and do not want to plant twice a year.

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

Russ is right. I have approx. 7 acres in food plots. Ladino clover 3 acres. 1 acre in sunflower. 1acre in rape. 1 acre in a mix of birdsfoot trefoil, beets, turnips, cow peas, and red clover. 1 acre in corn. The deer also like everything in my wife's garden and our apple trees. Diversity is good and I enjoy trying different things. Most plantings are not in blocks but long somewhat narrow strips. I also have several acres in rye. Farmhunter has his food plots planned out much better than I do but I'm just figuring out how to get stuff to grow. :D:D:D terry

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

DC, Russ is correct on all the suggestions but I was in your shoes about 8 years ago and I spent quite a bit of time and money trying all the different seeds from my local co-op with marginal success. The smartest thing I did was to try some of the wildlife mixes.....ie Imperial Clover and Biologic etc. Most of these blends are formulated for your area and if you plant properly they will outperform a single seed planting.

I sure the next post will talk about the cost..........Yes, they are a little more expensive but if you waste time planting and testing it won't be long before the are cheaper than shopping at the co-op. If you have the right soils go with perennials and cut out planting every year. It has saved me time and money.

My best success was with Imperial Clover I could not get them to eat the Biologic. I also have just planted Extreme and so far it's doing well.

Good luck.

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

Thanks guys for the replies.

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

And put about 30 or so Sawtooth Oaks around the edges of your plot.

RE: Corn vs other plantings
 

My quick answer would be that almost nothing compares to corn when the Snow is more than 12" deep and carbohydrate stores mean everything for survival and going into spring "fattened up" for birthing and antler growth.

Being that you are in the south, I cannot knowledgably comment on how corn compares in the the winter months to say....brassicas or fall planted Rye/Wheat.

I'm sure you know that corn stinks from a nutritional standpoint (I mean protein) - but excels as a carbohydrate source.

I guess I'd sum up my thoughts that if your deer herd is stressed in the months that corn matures, dries, and dies off - the ears can be a real good source of energy. Corn before it heads out, and/or when its immature does very little for deer.