Ross Fogle

Establishing a Prairie Habitat Prairies are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, more rare than rainforests. With careful planning, proper site preparation, and long-term maintenance, you can create a thriving prairie habitat that benefits soil health, wildlife, and pollinators for generations. Whether you’re seeding through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or starting your own project, prairie establishment requires attention to timing and technique. Right now, with harvest underway, it’s not too late to act. Post-harvest seeding sets the stage for growth this spring, while also reminding us that the best projects begin months earlier with pre-harvest preparation. Here’s a season-by-season guide to making prairie establishment a success. Post-Harvest Establishment Phase With harvest underway, now is an excellent time to prepare for prairie seeding. Fall seedings, done after crops are harvested can be highly effective.  The natural freeze–thaw cycles of winter break seed dormancy, giving your prairie mix a strong start once soils warm in the spring. Residue management is one of the biggest challenges. Broadcasting over bean stubble after November 15th is often the best approach. Heavy corn residue can block seed-to-soil contact, but baling or lightly disking helps create suitable conditions. Weed control is also critical. Cool-season grasses and winter annual weeds can quickly create a canopy that chokes out seedlings. A targeted herbicide pass or fall mowing before seeding makes a huge difference in establishing strong root systems. Spring Establishment Phase By spring, the focus shifts to site preparation. Whether your project area is a crop field, pasture, or turfgrass, the goal is the same: bare ground, free of vegetative growth, without heavy tillage. Preparation techniques may include: Prescribed burning in pasture or old field settings Multiple applications of non-residual herbicides Baling crop residue like cornstalks A layered, “all of the above” approach Seeding typically takes place between April 1 and June 5. Delaying until site prep is complete is better than rushing. A little extra work early reduces maintenance needs for years to come. Herbicide Use At least two applications of contact (non-residual) herbicides are recommended to reduce weed pressure. Residual herbicides can damage forbs and flowers, so avoid them entirely. Controlling cool-season grasses like reed canary and smooth brome is especially important, as they compete heavily with prairie plants. Seeding Costs and Equipment Prairie seed mixes generally require 3–5 lbs per acre, with costs ranging from $100–$400 per acre depending on species diversity. Specialized equipment like no-till drills or three-point broadcast seeders (often available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts or Pheasants Forever chapters) ensures better coverage. Using a seed filler like oats helps maintain planting rates, suppress weeds, and provides a visual measure of success in year one. Summer Maintenance Phase The first summer is all about patience and weed management. It’s common to think nothing you planted is growing, but prairies establish from the roots down in year one. Year One Mowing Guidelines: Use a clean batwing mower to avoid spreading invasive grasses Mow vegetation once it reaches 18–24 inches, and avoid leaving windrows Never mow more than two times in the first year Mowing reduces weed competition, warms soil, and gives young prairie plants the sunlight they need. Remember: year one looks unimpressive above ground, but roots are establishing the long-term health of your prairie. Long-Term Benefits With the right start, your prairie can last 10+ years with minimal maintenance. Beyond its beauty, a prairie improves soil fertility, provides critical pollinator habitat, and supports diverse wildlife. It’s one of the most rewarding land investments you can make. Looking Ahead Prairie establishment is not a one-and-done project. Right now, post-harvest seeding gives you the chance to take advantage of winter’s freeze–thaw cycles for strong root development. But the most successful projects begin months earlier, with weed control before harvest, residue management while crops are still in the field, and careful planning of seed mixes and equipment needs. By combining post-harvest action this season with pre-harvest planning in the future, you’ll set the stage for a prairie that improves your soil, supports wildlife, and stands the test of time. ROSS FOGLE | Illinois Land Specialist | Expert in Farmland Management & Conservation EVERY PROPERTY TELLS A STORY™. LET LANDGUYS TELL YOURS.

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat Conservation: An Interview with Ross Fogle, President of McLean County Pheasants Forever At LandGuys, we’re proud to spotlight community leaders making a difference in land conservation and sustainable farming. Today, we're excited to share insights from Ross Fogle. He is the President of the McLean County Pheasants Forever chapter and a passionate advocate for habitat conservation. Recently, Ross was featured in a video by the Illinois Corn Growers Association. In the video, he shared his expertise on habitat conservation and sustainable farming. The content for this blog post is drawn from that interview, which we are thrilled to embed below. A Legacy of Conservation Ross Fogle has deep roots in the Bloomington, Illinois area. His family has farmed there for generations. His commitment to the land extends beyond agriculture. He actively integrates habitat conservation into his family’s farming operations in Woodford and McLean Counties. The McLean County Pheasants Forever chapter has a history spanning over 36 years. They remain steadfast in their mission to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats. “What's unique about Pheasants Forever,” Ross explains, “is that 100% of our locally raised funds stay local. We decide how to spend them to make the biggest impact in our community.” This community-focused approach has allowed the chapter to invest over $800,000 into local habitat and youth education initiatives. Their work has positively impacted more than 22,000 acres. Supporting Local Farmers and Landowners For farmers and landowners looking to improve their land’s habitat potential, McLean County Pheasants Forever offers a wealth of resources. “We have cost share available to help install habitat projects, along with technical assistance,” says Ross. Partnerships and Equipment The chapter collaborates closely with the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District. They provide access to essential equipment like no-till drills and broadcast seeders. Site Preparation Tips Proper site preparation is key to success. “One of the biggest issues farmers and landowners struggle with is the establishment of their prairie. Site preparation is number one, and timing of your seeding is crucial,” Ross advises. Effective site preparation includes managing crop residue and weed competition. This can be done through methods like herbicide application and using soybean stubble as a base. A Flourishing Prairie Habitat Ross’s passion for habitat conservation is evident. He describes the prairie he currently oversees as a vibrant pollinator habitat. "In fact, this particular prairie has three different bloom periods, attracting many different insects that not only help with pollination of our crop fields but also support wildlife,” Ross notes. Pheasants, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife benefit from the rich diversity of the prairie. It offers both food and shelter. Moreover, the prairie is a haven for Monarch butterflies, Painted Ladies, and other unique insects, which contributes to the overall biodiversity of the area. Get Involved with Pheasants Forever For those interested in getting involved with Pheasants Forever or starting a habitat project, Ross encourages visiting ihuntil.com. It is the Illinois Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever state website. “You can find every chapter that’s available to you and get in touch with regional representatives or the state coordinator,” he suggests. McLean County Pheasants Forever continues to be a beacon of conservation. They ensure that future generations will enjoy the same rich, diverse landscapes that Ross and his team of volunteers work tirelessly to protect. No matter if you’re a farmer, landowner, or conservation enthusiast, there are countless ways to contribute to this important mission. At LandGuys, we’re proud to partner with individuals like Ross Fogle. He is leading the charge in habitat conservation and demonstrating the power of local action in preserving our natural heritage. Check out the full interview with Ross Fogle in the video below, as featured by Illinois Corn Growers Association. GET TO KNOW ROSS FOGLE   Ross is an active farm manager with his family row crop and livestock operation along the Mackinaw River in Woodford County, Illinois. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Agronomy. Ross has developed a diverse background in agriculture with over 10 years of experience in conservation implementation and USDA Farm Bill programs administration. Ross has proven success in diversifying farm profits with conservation programs, wildlife habitat design and sustainable agricultural practices. Combining a love for agriculture and conservation delivery, Ross provides his clients with a unique perspective about farmland value and sustainability. He and his wife, Lisa reside in McLean County with their three children.   Stay connected with Ross. Be sure to follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.