Planted late...

I've only been plating food plots for a few years now. This year was toughest by far. Since learning how to plant food plots - I have a whole new level of respect for farmers.

Between the lack of rain in the Coleman County area and the shortage of oats (anyone else notice the shortage?) - I wasn't able to get seeds into the ground until last weekend. Been planting Bob Oats with great success the past few years. Couldn't find Bob Oats anywhere over the past month. Ended up getting some Plotspike Oats from Tractor Supply... at a significantly higher price. Had to drive an hour away from my property to find these... oof.

I drilled the oats over 6 aces of disced/cultipacked fields. Curious if anyone else has had experience with these oats and at planting this time of year. I fear that I planted a bit too late and these Tractor Supply oats won't be as frost tolerant as Bob Oats.

Previously managed to get the oats planted late September/early October with a healthy amount of rain that followed shortly after. The Bob Oats I planted previously came up strong and lasted through the Spring.

Do you guys think I'm doomed for foot plots this year? Seems a little rain is coming in the forecast on Friday/Monday and more consistent rain is coming every other week in November. Hoping I didn't get these in too late.

I think you will be fine. I've planted Plotspike Oats from tractor supply as a test once. They did quite well, but I won't be using them since they were far more than double the cost of regular oats.
However, if they were the only thing you could get, then be happy you got them.

I think you will be fine. We are going to get rain the end of the week and next week from what I saw. Typically takes oats 60 days to mature.

first freeze possible this weekend

Since it hasn't rained in Coryell county in a month I have been waiting. Was doing it this weekend since we are suppose to get rain next week. Hopefully everything will go fine. Good luck with yours.

Thanks guys. Makes me feel better about planting. Curious to see how the Tractor Supply oats perform compared to Bob Oats.

I think you'll be fine. The lack of rain is the true killer this year. We're in Mills county (drive through Coleman all the time to get there). We planted 3 weeks ago but didn't plant on moisture and haven't gotten any rain. Hopefully the next 10 days delivers.

Seed oats have been getting harder and harder to come by. We've been using feed oats the last few years that we use for livestock. We double-chisel the fields, sling the oats with a fertilizer wagon, and then tandem it in and always get a good stand. My rec on seed oats would be to start calling seed companies in June-they may be able to order it for you and get it by the time you need it.

Good to know. I was tempted to plant feed oats (read that quite a few people do). Might try that next year. Definitely going to pre-order oats next year!

Check out east Texas seed company they are based in Tyler but shipped to my house for $20. They have a pretty good budget blend mix that is coated and it’s only $25 for 50 lbs bag.

If you can't find anything next year and want feed oats, give me a shout. I think we're paying ~$3-4/bushel (10-12/100wt). We could certainly spare 600-700 pounds if you're willing to sack it out of a bin in Goldthwaite.

I planted 8 days ago, the day after this cold,wet weather moved in. Hardley ever plant this late and have far less expectations, but as many, lack of rain.

I have had great luck using WHOLE feed oats, a little more weed seed than certified seed, but manageable for what I pay. I used to plant BOB oats, but for deer I haven't seen a huge difference, it does get tougher sooner than BP, but you can shred the tops off if it gets to high and get some regrowth. I mix in some wheat to hedge for real cold weather as well.

As far as comparing the two seed types, I think you'd be fairer to yourself planting both types side by side, so you get a fare comparison. Too many weather variables from your past planting to this year which has been much dryer overall, at least where I'm at.

BTW just walked my plots and did find some sprouting, not like I might find if temps where a tad warmer, but they are giving it some effort. Hopefully see more growth during this warm up to normal fall temps.