Each year, the University of Minnesota conducts field trials to evaluate different varieties of plants available. Some of these plants are suitable for your deer food plots, and the variety studies are important if you live in this region of the United States.
For northern climates, winterhardiness is critical for deer food plot plants. Winter injury can vary greatly between varieties. An example of the kind of results you may find useful from these trials:
The “Dawn” variety of birdsfoot trefoil was the second highest yielding, and has exhibited good winterhardiness.
For the past three years, Minnesota’s reports have recommended the “Norcen” variety of birdsfoot trefoil as an ideal, winterhardy variety performing well in grazing trials.
These test results from Minnesota illustrate the sound information that is available to evaluate varieties for deer food plot plantings. One of the most common mistakes made in deer food plots is planting varieties better suited to another growing zone.
As seen by the birdsfoot trefoil test, some varieties that yield very well in both southern and northern zones may not have the winterhardiness needed for the kind of climate and conditions in northern regions.
Other plants you may be interested in for your deer plots:
ALFALFA VARIETIES
http://www.maes.umn.edu/12varietaltrials/alfalfa.pdf
CORN VARIETIES
http://www.maes.umn.edu/12varietaltrials/corngrain.pdf
OAT VARIETIES
http://www.maes.umn.edu/12varietaltrials/oat.pdf
SOYBEANS
http://www.maes.umn.edu/12varietaltrials/soybean.pdf
Always be sure to verify that the crop varieties you are planting in your deer food plot are suitable to your climate.
Check out the planting rates and dates for your common varieties.
http://www.maes.umn.edu/12varietaltrials/plantingrate.pdf
Should you need information on Soybeans, forage oats, rapeseed, chicory and ryegrass, be sure to read our free articles on the resource page
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