A good hunting plot should pull deer in during season and keep feeding them afterward. Tecomate Ultra Forage brassica food plot seed combines hybrid forage brassicas with clover and chicory to create what Tecomate calls the premier three-season hunting food plot blend. It attracts both deer and turkey, and works in northern and southern climates. Here is how to plant it.
What is Ultra Forage?
Ultra Forage is a broadleaf blend built around a New Zealand hybrid forage brassica. The brassicas establish quickly and start attracting deer before frost, then produce a bulb deer will dig up for late-season energy. Tecomate says these brassicas start attracting deer quicker than other, less palatable brassicas. Annual clovers establish fast and provide palatable protein and early attraction. Chicory is the companion crop that carries the plot with spring nutrition after the brassicas are eaten.
The clover and chicory seeds are coated with Tecomate's proprietary "Teco-Coat" seed coating for faster germination and better overall plant health. Tecomate says the blend performs best where frost coincides with hunting season and can withstand heavy grazing pressure.
Key features
- Protein content: 22% to 26%
- Extremely fast initial growth
- Hybrid turnip offers forage and bulbs
- Follows up with chicory and clover into spring
- Coated and pre-inoculated clover and chicory seeds
- Peak attraction during hunting season
- Ideal for small, high-use plots, and can be added to other blends
- Contents: hybrid brassicas, clover, chicory seeds
When to plant this deer and turkey food plot seed
Planting time: all zones in fall; zones 1 and 2 also in spring. Tecomate notes it is widely used in zone 3 but ideal in zones 1 and 2.
How to plant Ultra Forage
Seeding rates by bag size:
- 2.25 lbs. plants 1/4 acre
- 3.5 lbs. plants 1/2 acre
- 9 lbs. plants 1 acre
- 25 lbs. plants 2 1/2 acres
Planting depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Fertilizer: a balanced fertilizer such as 13-13-13 at 200 to 300 lbs. per acre.
With small brassica, clover and chicory seed, a shallow, firm seedbed is key. Soil test and lime as needed, then disc the plot smooth with the Impact Implements ATV/UTV disc harrow. Broadcast seed evenly and press it in with a cultipacker with weight tray to keep it near the surface.
With four bag sizes, it is easy to match seed to your plot: choose the Ultra Forage size that fits your acreage.
Tips for a three-season plot
- Plan for frost. The brassicas are at their best when frost lines up with your hunting season.
- Size the plot to your deer numbers. Ultra Forage handles heavy grazing, but a very small plot in an area with high deer density can be eaten down before the bulbs mature.
- Leave the plot in place after season. The chicory and clover keep providing nutrition into spring.
- Add it to other blends. Tecomate notes Ultra Forage can be added to other blends for maximum usage. For more chicory in your plot program, look at Champion Chicory.
Ultra Forage is part of our fall food plot seed mix collection; browse all food plot seed for more options.
Frequently asked questions
What is in Tecomate Ultra Forage?
Hybrid brassicas, clover and chicory seeds, with the clover and chicory coated and pre-inoculated.
How much Ultra Forage do I need per acre?
9 lbs. plants 1 acre. The 2.25 lb bag plants 1/4 acre, 3.5 lbs. plants 1/2 acre and 25 lbs. plants 2 1/2 acres.
Does Ultra Forage attract turkeys?
Yes. Tecomate describes it as a super attraction for both deer and turkey.
Plant a hunting plot that works fall, winter and spring: shop Tecomate Ultra Forage brassica food plot seed. More articles are on our blog. Questions? Contact us.