I'm sure this has been asked here, but I didn't have much luck with the search function.

We are planting for the first time for next season. I'd like to give the members on the lease a cost estimate so we know what to expect going into the next season.

I know it all depends on what we plant, how much lime we use, and how much fertilizer. Can yall give me a rough estimate per acre what a basic (hardy seed with little to no lime and fertilizer) vs an advanced (better seed, lime and fertilizer)? I just am looking for the cost of the seed, lime, and fert not the cost of labor or diesel.

Also any suggestions on what to plant for a fall food plot in east texas (trinity country timber company land) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Whole feed oats and "Oat seed" are about the difference of "half". Personally I haven't noticed any difference in deer preference, but there are many types of seed oats now. "Bob" oats, are probably the most planted nation wide for grazing (cattle), but there are many other cultivars.

I would venture between $50-100 an acre, but there are so many variables. Fertilizer prices aren't constant, but if you can buy in bulk and use their buggy, it is cheaper (a lot over bagged)

1st thing you need to do is get a soil sample, then you will have an idea of what and "if" you need, many areas of Texas have plenty of lime, but I am not real familier with ETX dirt. Sample is easy to do yourself, then send it to A&M, you will know in 10-14 day's.

Here is the link: http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/

If it where me, I'd go with 60/40 Oats/Wheat, and a pound or two of arrowleaf clover, maybe some clay peas.


Outside of the soil sample, the next best thing you can do IMO, is have your county Ag (agriculture) agent come out, they are a free service and will know more than anyone what grows/does the best in your area, did I mention they are FREE..They can also walk your property and give you advice on things you can do to enhance the natural vegetation for wildlife. They also have a ton of literature in their offices you can get on almost every topic.

My field is wheat. Cost of seed is $17 for 60lbs and I put out 75 lbs to acre. I had it fertilized with 20-15-0 fertilizer at 125 lbs per acre, cost for that was $30 an acre which included spreading cost at $5 an acre. Total cost for seed, fertilizer and spreading fertilizer was $51.25 an acre.

Do the soil test asap so you can lime it asap. If you own the tractor and implements it's going to run you $50-75 an acre after the lime.

yeah lime needs to happen soon. In that area mainly oats will do well. I use to plant in Houston county and used race horse oats from a feed store.. still use it now in Leon, Madison and Robertson with good results.. with the type of soil your working with id be adding legumes for sure like Vetch and arrowleaf for sure. You will be doing best to inoculate the vetch over there.. can get a bit more costly but helps if your planting enough of it.

You could just do spring clover plots and go with the oats for fall/winter. The soil test will tell you the best fertilizer to use but triple 15 is a good go to if you don't have it done.

Friend of mine planted a bunch of clover... and the deer walked right through it to get to an oat field across the fence.

They know what they like.

We use the Premium Rack King from East Texas Seed in Tyler. It's a little more expensive at about $50/bag so about $100/acre, but we've had great results. It includes:

TAM 90 Annual Ryegrass
Heavy Grazer 76-30 Oats
Elbon Rye
Austrian Winter Peas
Hairy Vetch
Apache Arrowleaf Clover
Dixie Crimson Clover
Chicory
All clovers are pre-inoculated.

They also have another mix that has fewer peas and clover and more oats and rye for about $30/bag. Like I said, it's not the cheapest, but the deer love it!

per acre cost
100lbs oats $24
50lbs Austrian winter peas $50
100lbs 13-13-13 fertilizer $50
Total per acre on my plot is $124.
I don't lime