September 22, 2010
By J. Guthrie
By J. Guthrie
Everyone knows soybeans mean big bucks, but most hunters don't know that soybeans started out as a forage crop. Over the years, genetic manipulation has turned this high-protein powerhouse into a low-growing, bean-heavy, combine-friendly plant.
Eagle Seed Company in Weiner, Arkansas, is a family-owned business that has developed three unique cultivars of Roundup-ready soybeans specifically for whitetails.
Instead of short and squatty, this company's soybean varieties climb high, spread wide and really put out leaves. The protein levels -- some leaves tallied 42 percent in recent tests -- and pure tonnage produced have been outstanding in university trials.
Southern Illinois University was able to get 9.6 tons of dry matter per acre, and several farmers reported 14 tons of silage per acre: amazing numbers, to say the least.
The varieties can be planted in conjunction with other crops, such as corn, or as stand-alone crops. The leaves will die after a few frosts, but the beans -- the plants still produce plenty -- will continue feeding deer into the winter.
Two recognized food plot experts, Dr. Grant Woods and Mark Buxton, say these soybeans are the most innovative new food plot plants for whitetails in years.
Go online to www.eagleseed.com for more info.
