CRP PLANTINGS. NEED ADVICE

[motorbreaker]

Have some property that is new to the crp program. It was beans. Looking for a grass that the deer will eat when its kept cut down.
Something that could be broadcasted and cultipacked in. Ive looked around and cant find the info im looking for. The property next door has been in crp for years and is mostly fescue grass. Where ever I keep it cut down the deer eat it on a regular basis. Just wondering if there is a better option. Guys?

 

[Bigslam51]

Why not leave it tall for more cover, and plant a couple food plots inside of it?

 

[giles]

If you find something in the next couple of weeks, I’ve got time right now. I’ll help do the work!

Cereal grains? With a mix of clover.

 

[cspot]

Just out of curiosity what are you permitted to do in CRP? I was always under the impression that you couldn't plant stuff.

 

[motorbreaker]

ya cant plant food plots. Can plant grasses but don't have a no till drill. And its all broad leaf now. Gonna spray it for the broad leaf and wants to plant some grasses in some spots.

 

[motorbreaker]

If you find something in the next couple of weeks, I’ve got time right now. I’ll help do the work!

Cereal grains? With a mix of clover.

Dave you seen first hand how the deer were eating that fescue grass where you hunted. all I did was keep it cut down and the deer were in it every day

 

[giles]

Dave you seen first hand how the deer were eating that fescue grass where you hunted. all I did was keep it cut down and the deer were in it every day

Sure did and she taste mighty fine I might add.

 

[giles]

Not sure if any of this might help, but the number at the bottom might help you find an answer.
http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/landownerassistance

 

[Bigslam51]

I thought one of the main points about planting in crp was to keep it high, and not mow it.

 

[giles]

I thought one of the main points about planting in crp was to keep it high, and not mow it.

http://sustainableagriculture.net/p...ion-environment/conservation-reserve-program/

Not sure on mowing, but primary reasons are listed. I think every property is different. As I know some land owners have to mow so many times a year or by annually on contract.

 

[giles]

Reading further it seems you can only now 20% of the field at a time and only outside certain nesting times.

 

[Milo]

Check with your local soil and water conservation district, they might have a no till drill you can use for free.

 

[Buckmaster]

I'd favor alfapha or clover.

 

[motorbreaker]

I thought one of the main points about planting in crp was to keep it high, and not mow it.

Typically mow it every 2 to 3 years but on the other farm I mowed a few acres here and there and the deer hit it all the time.

 

[bowhunter1023]

CRP has been co-opted in terms of what it means. The acronym represents a formal, federal program, but it has become synonymous for an overgrown field here in Ohio. It's also evolved from a practical application to include more types of ground cover than just natural regrowth. I'm guilty of using CRP to refer to overgrown fields and IMO, that's the intent of the program. Recent research shows CRP (overgrown fields) provide more tonnage per acre than nearly every commercial food plot seed on the market. CRP also offers excellent cover for fawns and game birds. So if the goal is food in general, I'd encourage you to let the area go fallow for a few years, then mow right before season each year. Once it's mowed, the green regrown will provide food during hunting season at no expense other than a little diesel/gas. Just my take on the topic.

 

[giles]

Pretty badass statement about tonage per acre! First I’ve ever heard that.

 

[jagermeister]

Overgrown fields should be referred to as "fallow" in my opinion. CRP is a government program that requires the landowner to meet certain criteria. Regular mowing is not one of those. We need you to make a distinction... Is this ground you're referring to enrolled into CRP, or is it something you simply don't want to farm any longer. If it's CRP, you need to discuss your options with the county Soil and Water District representative. If it's the latter, I would advise against grasses. Grasses, especially large monocultural stands of it, are not very beneficial for most game species. Diversity is King. Run a disk through it to disturb/expose the natural seed bank... Kill the grasses... And promote growth of beneficial forbs and some early successional woody cover. Native flowering weeds and forbs provide a shitload of food and attraction for all sorts of wildlife, like Jesse mentioned above. Research some articles by Dr. Craig Harper for more info on forbs.

 

[nathan.luthman]

We just re-enrolled 8 acres on our one farm back into a crp program. They are very strict on the program. We had to buy seed from our local elevator but it had to meet their criteria. The seed is also very expensive. We ended planting 9 different types of fescue grass and 13 or 18 different "pollenators". We are only allowed to mow/burn at certain times of the year and we have to keep all traffic out of it (trucks, tractors, atvs,wagons...) if they come inspect the field (trust me they do) and see tire tracks in it we have the potential to be kicked out of the program and have to repay any payments we have received.
So if its actual crp you may need to do some homework before tearing into it. If it's just an overgrown field then do as you please with it.
Deer will still use the tall grass to bed in and it is a great spot to watch bucks cruise in the rut from my experience.

 

[bowhunter1023]

Overgrown fields should be referred to as "fallow" in my opinion. CRP is a government program that requires the landowner to meet certain criteria. Regular mowing is not one of those. We need you to make a distinction... Is this ground you're referring to enrolled into CRP, or is it something you simply don't want to farm any longer. If it's CRP, you need to discuss your options with the county Soil and Water District representative. If it's the latter, I would advise against grasses. Grasses, especially large monocultural stands of it, are not very beneficial for most game species. Diversity is King. Run a disk through it to disturb/expose the natural seed bank... Kill the grasses... And promote growth of beneficial forbs and some early successional woody cover. Native flowering weeds and forbs provide a shitload of food and attraction for all sorts of wildlife, like Jesse mentioned above. Research some articles by Dr. Craig Harper for more info on forbs.

I'm just an armchair biologist, this guy here is a real professional! Great post JB.

Enjoy: A Guide to Successful Wildlife Food Plots - Blending Science with Common Sense

 

[giles]

Boy oh boy has this thread really turned into an informative link! I think the name needs a DIY in it...this is some good stuff.