Jul 12, 2024 SUMMER FOOD PLOT TIPS SUMMER FOOD PLOT TIPS Written by: Illinois Land Broker, Ryan Washburn. SUMMER FOOD PLOT TIPS As we transition from the abundant moisture of spring, we often find ourselves with thriving, nutritious food plots. However, along with our clover, chicory, soybeans, wheat, and other desirable forages, unwanted weeds also flourish. Our first reaction might be to break out the mower or sprayer, but it’s essential to evaluate the best options for our situation before taking action. Here are some summer food plot tips to help you. Understanding the Role of Weeds In many cases, weeds are not necessarily detrimental. Several weeds are nutritious and favored by wildlife. Some examples include brambles, coralberry, dogwoods, greenbriar, Illinois bundleflower, ragweed, trumpet creeper, wild lettuce, pokeweed, and wild rose. These can provide valuable forage for deer and other wildlife. Mowing: A Strategic Approach If weeds have overtaken your plot or you find them unsightly, mowing might be a good option if done correctly. Here are some tips for effective mowing: Avoid Mowing Too Low Simply “clip” the tops of the unwanted grasses and weeds. This method leaves your clovers, alfalfa, and other legumes and brassicas untouched. Focus on Tops Mowing the tops of weeds prevents them from seeding. Understand Maturity Benefits Even as clover, alfalfa, and other legumes mature, there is no significant negative impact on their palatability or nutrient value for deer, unlike livestock. Deer often keep food plots trimmed to under 16 inches, maintaining higher nutrient values naturally. Spraying: Targeted and Effective If spraying is your preferred method, using the correct chemicals is crucial. For Grasses Use chemicals containing clethodim or sethoxydim. These will eliminate stubborn grasses without affecting clover, alfalfa, and chicory. Note that these chemicals will also remove oats or wheat if planted in the plot. For Broadleaf Weeds Use 2,4-DB (Butyrac). This will remove broadleaf weeds without harming clover, chicory, alfalfa, or grass-like species such as oats or wheat. However, it will affect brassicas. Spot Spraying: Economical and Efficient The most economical and efficient method for spraying weeds is spot spraying. This approach helps control the application, ensuring you only target the weeds and not the entire plot. Prevents Over-spraying Limits chemical use to only the necessary areas. Protects Desired Plants Reduces the risk of harming non-target plants. Saves Time and Money More efficient and cost-effective than blanket spraying. By following these maintenance tips, you can provide a great food source on your property, ensuring a more successful hunting season. Partner With Ryan Washburn Having grown up on his family’s farm in south central Illinois, Ryan has always loved the outdoors. Now, he resides on the same farm in Martinsville with his wife and four children, instilling in them his passion for cattle raising and country living. An avid hunter in his youth, Ryan now enjoys fishing, hunting, and hiking with his family. With years of experience as a land steward, Ryan is knowledgeable in cover crops, CRP land, soil health, and land conservation. His passion for pasture management has led him to spend over a decade improving forage acres and grasslands. Ryan’s expertise in various aspects of agriculture ensures he has the skills and dedication to help you find and manage your dream property. Ryan’s extensive background in sustainable farming practices and land conservation, along with his practical experience, makes him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to start or enhance their farming operations. His commitment to the land and sustainable agriculture ensures you will receive the best guidance and support in achieving your agricultural goals. Stay connected. Be sure to follow Ryan on Facebook.