Why Perennial Food Plots Are Better
(Hey! Just a tip. We talk about this a lot more on episode 181 of The Prairie Farm Podcast that we recorded with renowned hunter, Andy May.)
What is a perennial food plot, and why you need one.
When it comes to establishing food plots for hunting, many avid hunters and wildlife
enthusiasts focus on annual crops—such as oats, sorghum, corn, beans, radishes, etc. Sound
familiar?
Though often overlooked, a superior option is the use of perennial plants (plants that regrow
from the same root system year after year). Perennials offer numerous benefits that can greatly
enhance the quality and sustainability of food plots. What are these so called “benefits”? And
how can they help you?
1. Long-Term Investment
One of the primary advantages of perennial plants is their long lifespan. Unlike annuals that
require replanting each year, perennials establish deep root systems and can survive for
multiple seasons, sometimes even decades. Even if money was the main objective, yes, you
might pay 5 to 10 times more to have it established, but that pays back very quickly. As for your
work load, after the second year, you will hardly ever have to go into your food plots for
maintenance.
2. Enhanced Nutritional Value
Perennial plants typically offer superior nutritional value compared to their annual
counterparts. They have more time to develop robust root systems, enabling them to access
deeper soil nutrients and water reserves. Working Class Bowhunter team member Judd
McCullum sums up these nutritional benefits by referring to them as a “full plate” of nutrition.
This means the diversity of plants in perennial food plots provide a vast quantity of different
food resources for wildlife beginning each spring and lasting into the late hunting seasons.
3. Increased biodiversity
This is the big one. Think about it this way, the more plant diversity, the more insects. The more
insects, the more insect eaters such as quail, pheasants, doves, and turkeys. Of course plant
eating game species benefit from the expanded salad bar as well, so deer and rabbits will take
advantage of the improved options. Perennials’ ability to establish and persist for multiple
seasons provides a stable habitat and food source for a wide range of wildlife species. This
diverse ecosystem fosters a healthy balance and strengthens the overall resilience of the
wildlife community, ultimately improving the hunting experience.
4. Soil Conservation and Erosion Control
This one mostly speaks for itself. Less tillage plus more ground cover equals less soil erosion and
higher soil quality. (Not to mention that biomass that starts to add up year after year)
Not only are perennial food plots better for your hunting experience, they are better for your
soil, your wallet, your schedule, and your taxidermist.
Looking for a perennial food plot? Check out our hunting mixes!
