What Is Sorghum Seed? A Quick Overview
Sorghum seed is rapidly becoming a staple in wildlife management and hunting land food plots across North America. As a warm-season annual belonging to the grass family (Poaceae), sorghum offers versatility and resilience, particularly in regions challenged by drought or marginal soils.
The plant is native to Africa but has been cultivated in the United States and other parts of the world thanks to its ability to thrive in hot, arid environments. Sorghum seed comes in several varieties, including grain sorghum (commonly known as milo), forage sorghum (primarily used for silage), sweet sorghum (valued for its high sugar content), and wildlife-specific blends engineered for cover and attraction.
From a nutritional standpoint, sorghum seed packs a punch — loaded with carbohydrates and moderate levels of protein, it provides vital energy for game species like whitetail deer, pheasants, quail, and wild turkey.
Benefits of Sorghum Seed for Wildlife Plots
Sorghum seed has built a reputation for being one of the most effective and low-maintenance choices for wildlife food plots. Here’s why hunters and land managers are making the switch from traditional crops like corn and soybeans.
Attracts a Wide Range of Game: Sorghum seed attracts deer, quail, pheasant, turkey, doves, and other game species. Its dense structure provides both forage and cover, making it a dual-purpose solution.
Canopy & Cover: The tall, stalky growth of sorghum creates excellent concealment and bedding areas for both large and small game. When left standing, sorghum gives game birds a safe refuge during winter months.
Drought Resilience: Unlike corn, sorghum is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions. This makes it ideal for southern or Midwestern plots where rainfall can be unpredictable.
Extended Food Availability: The grain heads of sorghum retain seeds well into late fall and winter, offering a persistent food source when other crops have withered or been grazed.
Low Input Requirements: Sorghum seed typically needs less fertilizer and pesticide than more fragile crops. It establishes fast, often outcompeting weeds in its early growth phases.
Choosing the Right Sorghum Variety for Your Game Goals
Selecting the correct type of sorghum seed is key to maximizing your plot’s effectiveness.
Grain Sorghum (Milo): The most common variety used in wildlife plots, milo is an excellent choice for attracting upland birds like quail and pheasant. It holds grain high on the stalk, which birds find easy to locate and consume.
Forage Sorghum: Better for deer due to higher biomass and browse potential. Forage variants grow taller and provide more concealment than grain sorghum.
Wildlife Blends: Many seed companies now offer sorghum wildlife blends, combining early and late maturing varieties to extend seasonal benefit.
Regional Considerations: In dry areas like Texas or Kansas, drought-tolerant hybrid sorghum seed may provide greater success than more water-intensive crops.
How to Plant Sorghum Seed: Timing, Soil, and Prep
Planting sorghum seed properly ensures you get the best return in terms of wildlife attraction and crop health.
Timing: Sorghum should be planted after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. In the South, this can be as early as April; further north, aim for late May or early June.
Soil Prep: A fine seedbed works best. Till the plot area to eliminate competition and loosen soil. Test for pH and add lime if it’s below 6.0.
Seeding Methods: You can either broadcast with a spreader or use a seed drill. Broadcasting is easier for DIY food plotters, but drilling ensures better seed-to-soil contact, often leading to higher germination.
Seeding Rate: For wildlife purposes, plant 10–15 pounds per acre if drilling, or 20 pounds per acre if broadcasting.
Weed Control: Sorghum can suppress weeds on its own, but you can also apply pre-emergent herbicide or mow between rows if weeds emerge later.
Managing Your Sorghum Food Plot through the Seasons
Once in the ground, sorghum seed requires minimal attention, but a few strategic actions can enhance its benefits.
Early Season: Apply nitrogen fertilizer approximately 30 days post-germination to boost biomass. Monitor for pests like green aphids, and control with insecticides if needed.
Mid-Season: This is when the plant reaches full height. Bushwhacking borders or creating shooting lanes can offer better access and visibility for hunters.
Late Season: Allow the seed heads to remain intact as long as possible. The stalks will provide valuable cover for late-season birds like quail and shelter for deer during the rut.
Plot Rotation: Rotate sorghum with other warm-season annuals like buckwheat or sunflowers to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
Sorghum Seed vs. Other Food Plot Crops
Why choose sorghum seed over other common food plot alternatives?
- Compared to Corn: Corn is more moisture-dependent and requires heavier fertilization. Sorghum seed is more forgiving in lean soils and harsh weather.
Against Soybeans: While soybeans are great for summer foraging, they don’t provide cover or late-season seed like sorghum does.
In Relation to Millet or Sunflowers: These are excellent supplements, especially for diversity, but don’t have the height and drought resilience that sorghum offers.
Cost Efficiency: Sorghum costs less per pound than corn or soybeans and outperforms them in poor conditions, potentially offering higher ROI for budget-conscious land managers.
Where to Buy Sorghum Seed and How to Store It
Reliable sources for sorghum seed make all the difference in plot success.
Where to Buy: Check out specialty seed suppliers like White Gold Seed or Green Cover Seed that offer wildlife-specific blends.
Buying Tips: Purchase in bulk to reduce cost per acre, or choose blends tailored to specific game species. Always verify maturity date and seed type.
Storage: Keep sorghum seed in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. Avoid exposure to humidity which can reduce germination potential.
Success Stories: Sorghum Plots in Action
Across the country, hunters and habitat managers are seeing real results from incorporating sorghum seed into their land strategies.
In Kansas, one landowner reported a 40% increase in quail sightings within two years of adding milo strips along field edges. In Mississippi, a DIY deer hunter used a mix of forage sorghum and crimson clover, leading to his most successful season ever for mature bucks.
Other testimonials echo similar outcomes: better game diversity, higher seasonal retention, and improved land stewardship through versatile planting strategies. The common thread? Sorghum seed is at the core of these transformations.
Conclusion
Sorghum seed has proven itself as one of the most valuable and versatile tools in a hunter’s habitat toolbox. With its exceptional drought tolerance, low maintenance needs, dual-purpose cover and forage characteristics, and long-lasting nutritional value, it stands apart from many traditional food plot options.
Whether you’re building a quail haven, attracting late-season whitetail bucks, or simply improving your land’s attractiveness to game, planting sorghum could be your best decision yet. With proper planning, even a small acreage can yield significant wildlife returns.
As you refine your management goals this season, be sure to consider sorghum seed not just as another warm-season annual, but as a core component of sustainable wildlife stewardship.
External Resources
- National Sorghum Producers: Offers information on sorghum varieties, agriculture resources, and hunting applications.
- Whitetail Institute of North America: A leader in food plot seed blends, including sorghum-based mixes designed for deer and game birds.
