No-Till Foodplot Spring Planting & Results

What did we plant this year? Why? And with this drought in the Midwest, how are the foodplots holding up?

[@curtkates9514]

Really appreciate you sharing your experiences and thoughts. I’ve had trouble getting my “Release Process” plots established too. Two fall/winter crops and two spring/summer crops west of Houston about an hour. Overall, my failed attempts at the “Release Process” that Grant Woods describes are still better than what food plots we had before - but I’m not getting the picture worthy plots I want. I don’t live on the property, and that’s a disadvantage. I have had access to a drill, but not a crimper. This spring I had what I thought was a really good crop that over-wintered of cereal rye and clovers with some alfalfa. But, I did not crimp or spray herbicide, just drilled into it. Mistake! The rye stood back up and I had no mat of duff to choke weeds. With good rain, I got good germination. But so did the weeds. Combined with some browse pressure, I’m looking at a 2nd failed summer crop. I now think I need a heavy rye crop to crimp or spray in order to get the Release Process going. But, it’s sort of trial and error …

[@theback40]

Hey Curt, I'm right there with you! Failed? Maybe, but will it still attact deer during hunting season? Probably, so although not picture worthy, still good enough. I think I am going to use herbicide as my "roller crimper" for a few seasons to see how it goes. I already own the sprayer, so no major cash outlay there. I'm not a fan of using chemicals, but will if I have to for a while to get the system up and running well enough to squash out those weeds. Keep us updated on your progress. All the best to you.

[@jamesgillies3710]

great system thanks for your advise and sharing your results.

[@theback40]

Thanks James. All the best to you.

[@craiglamb8056]

Keep the updates coming. I appreciate your thoughtful reflections.

[@theback40]

Thanks Craig, all the best to you.

[@robertredinger9991]

No till can work at times, I find I like mixing both methods depending on the crops I’m planting. I don’t have a drill so I can be limited. Bottom line is neither works without rain! Definitely a learning curve for individual properties.

[@theback40]

Hey Robert, agreed. I think each property and property owner need to figure out what works for their soil and their individual goals. And no matter what, we all just need rain. All the best to you.

[@jasonsnyder6045]

You have provided a ton of experience over the years-thank you for taking the time to put it all together-always looking forward to the next one!!!! Im yr 3 of sturgiss method, on red georgia clay-subsituted millet for the buckwheat(which just wouldnt grow)-im getting there

[@theback40]

Sure thing Jason, I'm just trying to help as much as I can. How has the millet done, or are you still waiting to see? I couldn't get buckwheat to establish with his method here either. All the best to you.

[@jasonsnyder6045]

@@theback40 Despite what folks say, buckwheat does not grow nearly everywhere I use millet bec of the thin “softer” stem, rolls easily, breaks down, and works well if im broadcasting into it. Ive found it is easy to grow And the dove love it so i get a dive shoot out of it too. Thanks again! Always looking forward to your next update on your place

[@theback40]

@@jasonsnyder6045 Hey Jason, I have planted millet a few times now and it does seem to work as you described. Plus the deer around here decimate the buckwheat and it never gets a chance to grow. They seem to leave the millet alone until they hit the seed head much later. All the best to you.

[@Alianderfarm]

Central Virginia is getting thunderstorms almost every other day. Weeds are prolific in my food plots. I too will probably burn in late August and drill early September. Your last video on setting depth excited me because of what you taught me. I’m looking forward to doing a better job with my drill. I enjoy the process of providing food for wildlife almost as much as hunting. It’s relaxing and zero stress.

[@theback40]

Agreed! Working the habitat and watching the wildlife is much more fulfilling to me than the actual hunting. I hear hunting dog owners say the same thing all the time, they enjoy working the dogs on birds and rabbits more than hunting them. All the best to you.

[@user-ej1xv5km5v]

Enjoying your thoughts. Your observation of the yoke on a pulled drill and maneuvering the equipment versus direct attach is one I personally forgot. Thanks! I concur: the market for used 84" and under grain drills is absolutely insane price wise ($5k+ for smaller, used quality equipment). We're 'inter-planting' in a new 10ac black walnut nursery, so lots of turns and slopes on the planted 10x10 spacing. Drill weight more important for us in S.E. MO Mississippi Valley clay soils, hard baked by high temps and drought. We'll have to 'pull-the-trigger' soon on a drill with September planting season on the horizon or we'll just harrow and 'frost seed' in March '24. Again, thanks for your insights./t

[@theback40]

Hey Jack! I can't imagine how long it would take to plant with all those turns, ugh. Seems like it might be worth just trying the frost seeding method you suggested with your soil, lots of contraction/expansion with the frost so should get good contact? Hopefully it would work and save you money on having the 'pull the trigger' on a no-till drill. Good luck, all the best to you.

[@armandogutierrez5301]

Thank you!!!!

[@theback40]

Hey Armando, hope it helps. All the best to you.

[@tompeplinski]

Sure is good to see you thinking about the irrigation thing I mentioned a video or two back. The shallow well point is one option, but with a high water table I have a close friend that dug a pond that he irrigates from, uses big guns relatively speaking for a food plot, and the work load is very low once the initial investment and planning is done. Now, he has about 3 acres of plots in total sand country that he never worries about rain any more, always has "good" plots, and running the irrigation (again with big guns) is somewhat pleasing to him. He enjoys is. In any event, there is no right or wrong, just what works for you, gives you the enjoyment, helps you reach your goals. OH, and the pond is also a natural water source for all the animals too...he located it where he wanted that water source too, so that's another added benefit.

[@theback40]

AH HA! I thought it was you that made the comment, but I couldn't find it to verify. Thank you! Now.....I am doing a trial run on this for a foodplot close to the house, and it seems ok, but it does add some work moving hoses around and such. BUT, I didn't think about a "big gun", which I assume means it is permamently plumbed with a buried line so he isn't moving it around, and the gun is more like the guns on pivots in farm fields? I already have a small pond about 100 yards from each of the foodplots. Hmmmm, so much to think about. All the best to you Tom.

[@Skoogitty]

Great video Steve. Forget watering. You won't be able to produce enough from a sandpoint to irrigate. Switch to biennials and forget june planting. Let the biennials carry you to August 1st. Soil that's cool and shaded will be nearly 100% water use efficient, and biennials will be able to reach down to get to the moisture they need.

[@theback40]

Thank you, and I agree on the watering and appropriate planting, I'm just going to stick with the plan God gave us for rain, and be ready to keep every bit of it in the soil. All the best to you.

[@oxford821]

I also thought about irrigation. Im lucky to have a creek along my place. A trash can pump on a float valve sucking water from the creek up to a holding tank, then a couple field sprinklers on timers? Biggest cost would be running an electric line and box.

[@theback40]

Sounds like you have a pretty good setup. Could you use a portable generator for electric instead of running a line? Could probably get one for under $1000???

[@BlueWidow2010]

Mark, don't get down, the weather is always in control. I was thinking how to plant and try to do the same thing you are. Just different. I like rye in the fall, as it will come back in the spring with no extra cost. I like buckwheat because of the ecosystem it creates. I was thinking of adding some sun hemp with the buckwheat. Then come up with a legume mix for the fall planting with some tillage radish and some clovers not much though. Trying to keep something growing all year and minimal tilling. I also planted about 1/2 acre of cover, alfalfa and chicory, That turned out awesome and it will be there for a few years and it takes very little effort to maintain. The deer are in it every day.

[@theback40]

Thanks. You are correct about the weather, it's raining here as I type this, go figure. I'm going to keep trying different mixes for each season, too. We'll get this thing figured out. All the best to you.

[@curtkates9514]

My state biologist told me long ago we would get too little rain 1 yr out of 5, too much rain 1 yr out of 5, and about the right amount 3 of 5. That’s a primary reason I’m trying to build my soil and handle my fain better! I have sand, too. But 2 yrs into trying to establish Release Process, I’m seeing improved soil structure and earth worms.

[@theback40]

@@curtkates9514 This is just fantastic feedback Curt, thank you. I just need to settle down a bit, this is just the "dry year" we had coming, and I don't need to go extreme to try to fix it. Whew, thank you.

[@douglasjohnson8917]

The fungi below the ground helps build the organic matter that helps retain moisture

[@theback40]

Hey Douglas, I have added fungi friendly seeds to the mixes I have put together for that exact reason. All the best to you.

[@douglasjohnson8917]

I think you're on the right track. You're just doing a few things i wouldn't. You need to feed the biology below the ground. And they don't like chemicals, fertilizers, andsecticides, herbicides.

[@theback40]

Thanks Douglas, I have mimized all of those inputs quite a bit over the last three years, this spring is the only time I have decided to spray in a long time because I feel the weeds got too out of control. We're all learning what works best for our particular situation, which I am learning is different for each one. My goal is exactly as you state, no more chemicals or any kind. All the best to you.

[@MrJlong4140]

I've put in 3 sand point wells for food plot watering in northern Wisconsin. It's great to be able to water but it is a lot of work, and food plots can still fail if we don't get to them in time. I drove 2" pipe down, and connect to a gas semi trash pump and have plenty of water. But dragging the hose and rain gun is more work than you think it will be. Happy to answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss what I did.

[@theback40]

So thankful you watched this and replied! Based on your feedback, I'm going to skip the idea. I'll just stick with Mother Nature on this one. Moving those hoses around would be a PITA. All the best to you.

[@Bray1Jay]

I might suggest adding sunn hemp if its legal in your state. Grows tall and fast and adds alot of nutrients back into the ground, especially Nitrogen. High green protein content.

[@theback40]

I'll add it to the next batch to see how it goes. I'm pretty sure it's legal here in Michigan. All the best to you.

[@bayhillag4089]

Plant later int he year.. faster grow mix rye and say winter peas.. we plant in mid sept the rye will come up faster than the peas but will help shade the peas.. out plots get killed all season.. notill issue is weeds.. you either have to plow to kill weeds or spray.. we only mold board every 3-4yrs.. you can disc the plot before planting.. just a thought

[@theback40]

Agreed, and thanks for the thought. No till is great, but we're figuring out the weed issue now. Thinking I'm back to spraying when needed. Fully committed to never tilling the soil again, but still testing the best weed control methods. All the best to you.

[@smithyc2070]

It’s also important to build your micro biology and organic matter back to your soil. Which in turn would hold your moisture.

[@theback40]

Agreed!

[@douglasjohnson8917]

Instead of spraying the mare's tail I would cut it before it goes to seed 4 or 5 in I will add more organic matter

[@theback40]

Hey Douglas, my only fear with that is trying to drill through the stalks that are randomly spread all over the ground because of the mower, I don't think the drill will be able to cut through them consistently? But, I might need to try it sometime to know for sure. Thanks for the idea. All the best to you.

[@cooterbrown1703]

So did you buy your seed from green cover seed? Thanks for the video.

[@theback40]

Yes. I really appreciate what they are doing for all farming, and us food plotter guys. Especially like the custom mix ability, I think they call it "smartmix" on their website. All the best to you.

[@rfb7117]

It does not look like my first message went through, so I'll try again. Thanks for bringing us the great information as you always do, it is really enjoyable following your progress. It appears that the Dicamba did the job on your mares tail, it sure smoked ours. We have not had a rain over 2/10" for over 8 weeks and our food plots are dirt and weeds. Having said that our plots are numerous and spread out over the farm, and I don't feel watering is an option for us. Our plan is to spray next week and then lightly disc and plant our fall plots in a few weeks. I'm curious if you could share with me how many pounds per acre you planted your June planting and what the lever setting you used on your drill was. Also when you plant your brassica, clover etc. do you plan on using your drill? If so would you please share how many pounds per acre and what setting will you use on the drill. You have had a lot more success with the drill than I have, so I really appreciate your advice. Good luck food ploting, and be safe. Bob

[@theback40]

Hey Bob, for sure the marestail got smoked! I probably should have done that a few years ago, I plan on keeping the weeds in check from now on. And based on the feedback from guys comments, I'm going to skip the watering idea, too much work. I'll have to go out to the drill and check the settings and get back to you. And yes, I will be using the drill to plant the fall stuff. All the best to you.

[@rfb7117]

Thanks for the update, I look forward to seeing your settings and the pounds per acre...spring and fall. Good luck, and we still have plenty of time for good food plots. Bob

[@theback40]

@@rfb7117 Hey Bob, this year was a custom mix at 22 lb/acre, and setting was 4.75. I have also done Green Cover Seeds "Cool Season Soil Builder" in the spring at 65 lb/acre, setting was 2.25, and their "Fall Release" at 70 lb/acre, setting was 2.5.

[@rfb7117]

Mark...thanks for sharing, please let me know your setting for your fall mix (brassicas, clover etc.) and if you use the small box.

[@curtkates9514]

@@theback40 Mark, another thought on GCS seeds and Release Process, a recent video from Woods he suggested a fellow might increase the amount planted substantially over the recommended rate to get the rye established thick enough. I’m reconsidering my seeding rates…

[@jasonsnyder6045]

I put a well in on my place, for 1 field ao i would have 1 green patch-i got water at 500ft, but not enough to just turn on and leave-i had to drag hoses around-i couldnt get it to work like i had anticipated, and for me was a waste of $. But i have a well…i guess

[@theback40]

Thanks Jason, appreciate you watching the video and commenting. You and a few others giving me feedback on this has helped me decide to skip the idea. I'll just wait on Mother Nature and do the best I can with what she provides. All the best to you.

[@vodekz1534]

Very dry condition in Central Wisconsin. We need rain

[@aaronbyrd9840]

been 104-8 in central texas and dry !!

[@theback40]

As I type this, we are getting rain! Hope you are getting it, too. All the best to you.

[@theback40]

Hey Aaron, reading the news up here, sounds like you guys have been getting hammered with heat down there all summer, I'm praying for rain and relief for all of you guys. Hang in there. All the best to you.

[@douglasjohnson8917]

How much organic matter were you needed to pile in a compost ball to create one inches of composted soil and then multiply that times your feed blot size

[@theback40]

Yikes! On 4 acres, I think that would be a lot! More than I could handle.

[@mtnmallard]

How did you fertilize? I have a tar river drill and would love to not disk

[@theback40]

Hey Michael, I have not fertilized since starting no-till over 5 years ago. That's all part of the seed mix selection. It has amazed me how the legumes have pumped (free) nitrogen into the soil, and how the brassica's have pulled up minerals from deeper in the soil, but mostly how the fungi and micro-organisms have somehow converted so much in the soil to usable nutrition for all of the plant varieties. It's hard to get out of the "soil sample for fertilizer and lime recommendations", but no-till is a different process that will cure most ills over a few seasons without adding anything. Our assignment is to pick and plant a variety of species that will benefit our soil, and then control the weeds. All the best to you.

[@williamsnodgrass1622]

I admittedly know next to nothing about crop farming. So, please forgive my ignorance. But it seems to me, that mowing instead of using herbicide would have been better for the environment, cost less, lessened the chances of binding and provided better seed to soil contact…all while leaving biomass too. What were the advantages of using chemical over mowing? Thanks for your time.

[@theback40]

Hey William, good question! I tried mowing in the past, and the particular weed that was wildly out of control, marestail, was not affected and came back stronger last year, to the point where I now feel it was inhibiting soil building activities. So, I figured spraying was the only way to get this one under control. I tried for a few years to NOT spray, but lost the battle and capitulated this year. I hope I don't ever have to spray again, and that mowing and plantings will control the weed well enough. All the best to you.

[@ericseeger462]

Reason for no-till: I have reclaimed strip mine land, so it is very rocky, and tillage is really not an option.

[@theback40]

Hey Eric, good news is at least you have your own property! Good luck with the process, you'll make progress every season. All the best to you.

[@newbie_nugs]

So is all the food plots purpose is just to attract deer for hunting? How many a year can you get? Idk how much your brands seed cost each year but seems like even a cheap 4500$ seeder and $1500 10acre seed each year would take alot of deer meat to replace

[@theback40]

Good questions. I'm sure everyone has a different answer, but for me, the food plots are part of a bigger plan for supporting and attracting ALL species of wildlife. My family and I get great joy out of working outdoors, improving all the different habitats on our property (not just food plots), and watching the many species in those food plots from our house and while out walking or hunting on the land. This time of year is one of the best as we get to watch tom turkeys strutting around and will soon be watching fawns running around our yard. And you are correct, this is not done to harvest affordable meat, although it IS to harvest the highest quality meat available anywhere. All the best to you.

[@newbie_nugs]

Thanks for the answer. I realized after I posted it I sounded like a dick. Wasn't my intention. I thought food plot meant garden, I just traded a 6' tiller for a 4' tiller and the guy wasn't to worried about its condition he just wanted a bigger one for a food plot. But then before he left said he don't have patience or time for a garden. So I had to research 😄 I get similar questions on my home orchard & vineyard . 4000$ buys alot of apples 😄 then I go get a new subcompact tractor and implements 😄. But to me it's future and a hobby so i don't track the 100$ new tree etc. I can teach my daughters things, I can give food to anyone that needs it. And hopefully my daughters gain a work ethic interested in picking fruit for a road stand than ipads once their tip jars get full . Hopefully

[@theback40]

LOL, I didn't take it that way at all. Just figured you might be a new hunter running some recon on how others are working their property. You and your orchard, me and my foodplots, so funny how we throw money at our hobbies. But as we both know, it is so much more than that. All the best to you. @@newbie_nugs

[@cooterbrown1703]

What model of planter is that

[@theback40]

Tar River DRL-072. It's a light duty machine, but perfect for my 4 acres of foodplots. All the best to you.

[@stevenlafevers83]

I am doing no till, to plant more land with less seed than broadcast

[@theback40]

Hey Steven, there you go, you know why YOU are doing it! Stay focused on your own reason(s), and you will be consistenly making progress with your program. All the best to you.

[@murdok1100]

i would burn that plot off before i planted that or at least bushogged it. i don't see how that drill can work right with all that tall stubble. personally think trying to irrigate your food plots would be a monumental investment. it looks like you doing a pretty decent job with what you got. ive started no till because of hilly ground and sandy soil. my land was washing too bad. none of us can control the weather that just is what it is.

[@theback40]

Agreed! I'm going to pass on the irrigation idea, your're right, too much work, and MOST of the time our plots work out really well. Good luck on your no-till transition, takes a few years, but so worth it. All the best to you.

[@douglasjohnson8917]

If you want to increase the organic manner in your feed plot, you might have to increase amount of organic matter. You're leaving on the ground to rot.

[@theback40]

Hey Douglas, thanks for the feedback. I'm learning more about this, and that will certainly help, along with getting a lot of root mass down in the soil, too. All the best to you.

[@douglasjohnson8917]

You're no till to protect the soil. Every time you tip up the soil, you risk losing the top soil to win the water erosion.

[@theback40]

Hey Douglas, agreed. We're making progress, but there is a transition period to get the system running properly, so we're not quite done yet. All the best to you.

[@Aaron-sl9lu]

Just like a farmer, ruin one natural resource (soil) and start sucking another resource (water)

[@theback40]

Hey Aaron, based on feedback from all the smart guys here following this channel, I'm nixing the watering idea. And we're actually improving the soil, not ruining it as you stated. All of us here are working hard and investing our personal finances to provide more food & cover for all the animals on our properties, along with improving the soil to provide better nutrition throughout the year. All the best to you.