Choosing The Right Seeder For Food Plots

By: Ryan Nordahl  Owner: Epic Whitetail Habitat, LLC 
​email: [email protected]

If you are anything like me, then you are probably anxiously waiting to start getting seed on/in the ground this spring. Whether it's frost seeding clover, chicory, and/or switchgrass. Or seeding other food plot favorites like corn, soybeans, buckwheat, sunflowers, annual screening, etc., how you execute the process can at times be overwhelming.

I see it on social media every spring, "Looking for a food plot seeder that won't break the bank." And i totally get it. We want to complete any job with the least amount of effort in the least amount of time possible. But most of us are at times strapped for cash or simply don't want to spend mega bucks for 15 minutes of fame come fall. And that's perfectly fine and very understandable. You have options. Because let's face it, not all of us have the deep pockets of those we see on the OUTDOOR Channel. But we do have hunting land, and we want to make it the best we can to provide food or cover for deer and other wildlife with the least amount of financial investment.

Over The Shoulder Broadcast Spreaders

Over the shoulder broadcast seeders are probably the most utilized type of seeders I see being used to establish food plots. And I use and absolutely love my Earthway model 3100 hard sided hopper seeder and my model 2750 bag seeder religiously throughout every growing season. They are absolutely a life saver for me. 

And I really love the model 3100 when it comes to applying lime and fertilizer to my small, hard to get to kill plots on the properties that I manage. And also my on properties, as well. I have included a short review video posted above this section for you to check out.

And I cannot say anything bad about my trusty 2750 model bag seeder either. I can broadcast just about any size seed there is with this spreader. But the only drawback sometimes can be filling a bag seeder when two hands are needed to pour seed into the bag which sometimes bag seeders can at times collapse. A real pain in the you know what! Haha!

The video below shows you what I use and how to use it when filling any bag seeder. be sure to check it out.

Battery Powered Over the Shoulder Broadcaster 

New in 2022, Hooyman came out with an all electric, 24 volt broadcaster.

The 24V Lithium-Ion Chest Spreader makes spreading faster, easier and more comfortable. An adjustable throttle allows you to change the speed rate on the go. Their proprietary throwing disc maximizes throwing distance for a more uniform spread pattern. With a continuous run time of 3 hours, you’ll be able to get most jobs done on one charge with it's lithium ion battery.

The video below gives you a great perspective of how this broadcaster operates. Be sure to check it out.

Tractor, ATV/UTV Seed Drills 
 
If you are fortunate enough to own a tractor, an ATV, or UTV, you have probably been in the market for some type of grain drill type seeder to pull behind whatever type of workhorse you may have. But most hesitate from these types of options when the see the price tags on the majority of brands.

But what's it worth to you?

They save time (which we don't get back, especially when it comes to family, other loved ones, friends, and/or other commitments & priorities), are easy to adjust for seed rate, and believe it or not, can put a little extra cash back in our pockets. How so?

I have been fortunate enough through hard work to pay cash and have a couple of different brands of implements for getting food plots in not only for myself, but others as well. Of which, they have become perennial clients, which in turn helps to offset the cost of owning a machine for a tractor or ATV. 

What are you willing to do in order to buy one of these great time savers?

My latest brand, which I highly recommend to anyone looking to go this route, is Kasco Manufacturing. I use the 3 point mount Plotter's Choice model for the tractor I use. I've had great success with this model which allows even greater time savings as it IS a no-till drill made for sub-compact tractors. Pull type models are also available for ATV/UTV use.

The video below is a video I put together in 2022 reviewing the Plotter's Choice model from Kasco Mfg. Please be sure to check it out for yourself.

So in conclusion, choose a seeder which fits your goals in conjunction with your budget and ambitions. I'm not here to sell you anything. Just relaying the options that are available to you to help you get the job done maybe a little easier in 2023 and beyond.

Most importantly though, just have fun!