Food Plot - FAQs & More
Meet our Food Plot Specialist
Steve Krueger earned his associates degree in Wildlife Management from Fox Valley Tech and has 30 years of experience through the WI DNR/USDA Wildlife Services.
He is passionate about creating and maintaining habitats and a healthy herd! He is committed to providing quality seed, and valuable information in order to provide maximum yield for each client and their food plot whether it is large or small.
“I will spend the time to provide what seed type is best for your soil type and what your goals are. I am dedicated to finding new products and making them available to you. If there is something you do not see on our seed list or want your own mix made up, give me a call and we can discuss your needs.
A wise man once told me “If I leave this land in worse shape than I found it- I have accomplished nothing”
Good luck and be Safe!”
Shop our food plot supplies online!
What People are Saying!
"To me food plots are a hobby. They are fun. I enjoy working the soil, fertilizing, planting and growing beneficial plants for our wildlife. I am not a agronomist nor do I want to be one. Jaster's Ag Supply treats me, a hobbyist, with 10 acres of food plots, with a professional level of care as if I am a true agricultural enterprise."
- Russell Schieber
Westfield WI
"Jaster's Ag.....Not Just Another Seed Company
Like most hunters, I was trying to get the most get of my food plots without all the knowledge of being a farmer. After a couple of years of diminishing returns, I searched for a company that could help me plant top notch plots like an expert. Meeting and working with Steve and the rest of the staff at Jaster's Ag has been a relief and exciting because they wanted to help not just sell me something. The first time I visited Jaster's Ag I was surprised that they not only had all the typical crop seed but a large pre-mixed food plot seed selection. Steve and Ben helped me analyze my soil and put a spring/fall crop rotation together that would bring my soil back to life, reduce costs on synthetic fertilizers and still meet my desires of the types of crops I was looking to offer the deer on my land. Whether you're local or searching online, Jaster's Ag is hands down the choice for dealing with real people, with expert knowledge, that really care about your goals.....
Not Just Another Seed Company!"
- Cory Henke
"Summer of 21 I started getting interested in improving my land for the up coming deer season, so I started to talk to Steve at Jaster's Ag.
Steve is Jaster's Ag, Food Plot Specialist. He pointed me in the right direction with soil samples and what fertilizers to use from the samples that were taken. After that, Steve went into how to till the soil to get the most seeds, how to fertilize, and about soil contact with what seed mix.
The results were great! Got a nice 8 point right off the plot. Thanks for the great food plot experience. I'll be seeing them in spring!"
- Tom Butler
Oxford WI
Tom Butler’s buck shot off Jo’s Buck Buster
"We had a couple years of history with this buck. We watched him grow into a big 11 pointer.
We love planting food plots and with the help of Steve we found the perfect balance of green and grains to keep this buck on our property until we were lucky enough to be in the right tree to harvest him.
Thanks to Steve and Jaster’s Ag Supply for having great seed mixes!"
- Alby Slowey
Westfield WI
"Working with Steve at Jaster’s Ag Supply has made planting food plots a breeze. His knowledge of the different seed varieties for food as well as bedding mixes is extremely helpful.
We talked with Steve last summer trying to create a food plot mix that had it all; brassicas, cereal grains, and clover to make as much green food as we could.
A mixture that has proven to be effective was the final product we planted and the last bite a big ten pointer took. I was able to shoot that big ten pointer with my bow last fall. I can’t say enough positive things about Steve, Jaster’s, and all of the options they have to purchase.
The food plot seed at Jaster’s is an unbeatable price."
- Alex Slowey
Westfield WI
Great prices, great seed, great people!
I have been purchasing food plot seed from Steve at Jasters for the last few years. I have not been disappointed! Always receive great service and honest input from Steve. We share the same passion for deer and habitat so it’s always a good conversation. He recommended “Steve’s Sweet Treats” last year which I was very pleased with. Bucks seemed to hit it hard October and November. This year I planted “Steve’s Sweet Treats” and his new recommendation for this year “Final Buffet.” Very solid recommendation for my soil and situation. The results speak for themselves as it kept Mature deer around!
Thank you Jasters and Steve for all your help with one of my hobbies.
- Brian K.
Briggsville WI
Food Plot FAQ's
Q: What is the key to growing a successful food plot?
A: It all starts with the soil. Taking a soil sample will help us recommend the proper nutrients for your soil and desired crop. PH plays an important factor to the success of your plots.
Q: What will grow best in shaded areas?
A: Typically, we see perennial clovers and winter rye work well in shaded areas. Leafy brassicas will work, but it is important with any crop planted in shade to plant earlier to leave more growing time for the crop to mature.
Q: What is an ideal late season food plot?
A: Brassica mixes including leafy and bulbing varieties work well in this area. Typically, we would like to see 45-60 days of growing before the first frost to allow bulbs to reach full potential. Cereal Rye, Wheat, and winter oats are another viable option.
Q: What can be planted in drought prone sandy soils?
A: Aberlasting clover and chicory, both perennial options, have shown good drought tolerance. Cereal grain such as rye and oats can be another option as well.
Q: What could cause my food plot to have poor germination?
A: Improper planting depths and poor seed to soil contact are two of the biggest factors. If the seed becomes to deep it will run out of energy before it can emerge from the ground. Conversely if the seed is to shallow the early stage of root development can be more affected by drought conditions.
Q:What is the proper way to plant smaller seeds such as clovers and brassicas?
A:Weed control prior to planting is a major influence, whether done mechanically or chemically it is important to start with a clean seed bed. Ideally till soil, drag or culti-pack to make the proper seed bed, broadcast seed at recommended rates, and culti-pack seed into the soil.
Q:What seeds will work in wet soils?
A: Balansa fixation clover will tolerate wet conditions better than other clovers. Some millets have proved to be tolerant as well. As with any seed, plots that remain underwater for an extended period of time will struggle regardless of seed chosen.
Q: When is the proper time to plant my fall brassica plot?
A: As a general rule of thumb, 45-60 days before the average first frost date. In central WI we would recommend a late July to early August planting date. Soil type or weather conditions can change this planting date.
Q: When and how should I frost seed clovers?
A: Frost seeding should be done when the ground is still frozen in the morning but by afternoon can thaw out. This helps pull the seeds that are spread out into the ground. Typically, just spreading the seed over the frozen soils will accomplish this task. Typically, this is done on existing clover plots that have weak stands. If seeding new plots, it is important to have weed/vegetation control done the fall before planting.
Q: How do I control weeds in my clover plots?
A: Mowing clover plots will help control weed populations. Mowing before weeds are able to produce seeds is important. Also mowing clover in general will help with stand densities and weed competition. This should never be done tight to the ground, leave enough height on the clovers (4”-7”) to avoid killing them by mowing. Also do not mow during drought conditions. Selective herbicides are another option depending on type of weeds present.
Q: When is the ideal time to fertilize and lime my food plots?
A: At planting is the best time to get your fertilizer and lime into the ground to give the seed what it needs to get established. Once plots are emerged, visual characteristics of the plants may indicate when another application of fertilizer is needed. Soil samples will help us in the recommendation process of fertilizer.
Q: What is the best food plot to plant?
A: There is no correct answer for this question. Climate, soil types, and planting equipment are just some of the variables that go into planting a plot. By talking with our staff, they will be able to help you pick out the combinations that will help you grow the best crop you can!