Choosing the Right Tools for Your Food Plot Success

By Jessica Graham

When it comes to hunting, we’ve seen food plots transform the way we hunt today. Few things are as effective at attracting and holding wildlife as a well-planned food plot on your hunting property. Whether you’re trying to grow and hold trophy bucks, increase your turkey population, or support the overall health of your local wildlife, a food plot is a game-changing investment for hunters.

Getting it right requires more than tossing out a bag of seed and hoping for the best. The right equipment, the right seed blends, and the right strategy all play crucial roles in creating a plot that delivers results. From tractors to soil tests to the newest seed varieties on the market, there’s a lot to consider when planning your plot.

In this Iowa Sportsman buyer’s guide, our staff have put together some of the best companies and products available to make your food plots a success. In these next few pages, we’ll walk you through the must-haves and nice-to-haves for food plot success. You might be ready to upgrade your gear or you might just be getting started from scratch. We’ve tried to include both products and companies that can help you no matter where you are in your food plotting. This guide will help you make informed choices and set your plot—and your hunting season—up for success. 

Feeding Deer, Turkey, and Wildlife

When you’re thinking about food plots, consider the species you’re targeting. For deer, clovers, soybeans, and brassicas are hard to beat. They’re high in protein and energy, which deer need year-round. Turkeys, on the other hand, love small grains like oats, milo, and wheat, as well as legumes for the bugs they attract. They also like browsing through clover and alfalfa, particularly because of the insects they attract.

For a general wildlife plot, diversity is key. Mix in some sunflowers for birds, alfalfa for smaller critters, and grains for everything in between. A variety of plants ensures that your plot supports multiple species and keeps your land thriving.

Should You Upgrade Your Gear?

This is a question I hear all the time, and it really comes down to a few factors, and it’s completely up to you. If you’re thinking about expanding your food plot or planting multiple types of crops, upgrading your equipment might be the smart move. For example, a no-till drill might seem like a big investment, but it’ll save you hours of work and improve your seed germination rates. It kind of depends on your balance of time and finances. It may be best for your budget to wait, or maybe time is your limiting factor. Let’s be honest, equipment isn’t cheap. However, it can be an investment in your land. Upgraded gear can really make the job easier.  If new equipment isn’t in the cards, check out used options or rental services. Many co-ops and equipment dealers offer rentals, which can be a great way to get high-quality tools without the big price tag.

The Bottom Line

Food plots aren’t just about planting seeds; they’re about creating a sustainable, productive habitat that benefits wildlife and improves your chances as a hunter. Whether you’re working with hand tools or a full tractor setup, the key is to start with what you have and build from there.

Take this season as an opportunity to evaluate your gear, plan your plot, and maybe make some upgrades. The effort you put in now will pay off come hunting season when you see those deer, turkey, and other wildlife thriving on your land.