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 Iron and clay cowpeas are one of the most popular peas for
wildlife enthusiasts who are planting warm season plots for deer and other
wildlife. They are extremely high
yielding in forage mass with high protein levels. They tend to be productive throughout the summer.
Cowpeas are generally very
tolerant to deer pressure and once established have good re-growth potential.
They
will also produce seeds in pods in late summer that make excellent quail and
turkey food as they dry and shatter.
Iron & Clay Peas
(Iron-Clay Cowpeas) are a southern favorite for food plots and are an easily planted crop
either in
row or by broadcasting. This is an annual legume that provides forage and seeds for deer and
game birds alike, and can be planted in early March through September depending upon the
climate zone.
PLANTING RATES
Plant to the rate of 60 lb. per acre -
Broadcast
Rates of 20-30 lbs. / acre can be used on row planting.
OR Plant
3-5 lb. per 1000 sq. ft.
These peas are ideal mixed with other food plot
additives and are easy to divide and plant as short strips between other crops.
Great summer-time food plot item - The deer will flock to these peas especially when they are new little tender seedlings just emerging at the 1-2 leaf stage. Cowpeas are a favorite for a good hardy southern area food plot.
- They provide summer grazing up until first frost (Plants are killed by frost /
freeze).
The deer primarily graze the leaves especially on younger, more
tender peas. These are primarily for use in Southern State locations as a
summer crop. Note that the plants (seed pod production) growth are highly
regulated by sunlight / heat and when planted in more northern states the plants
will often NOT produce any seed pods. Excess growth (rank production) found with
heavier soils tend to produce more vine growth (and leaves) and less potential
to set peas / pods. For the most part the deer do NOT eat the seed pods
produced. They are more attracted to graze on the forage leaves of this
southern plant. Especially attracted to younger plants when the leaves are
more tender - Multiple staggered plantings may help to provide more younger
plants which are more attractive to the palate of Deer.
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To the left here we see a nice food plot with varied food sources.
To our right a food plot in the early stages. |
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Planting Info:
Date: April - August
Rate: 60 lbs./acre or 1˝ lbs./1000 sq.ft.
Depth: ˝"-1"
Best for: Deer, Turkey, Rabbit, Quail
Type: warm season annual legume
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