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Wildlife Food Plot Management - Alternative Income for Farmers
| Name | Marion Barnes | | Situation | Farmers are being forced to diversify their operations to remain profitable. Wildlife management can be a source of alternative income for many landowners. Also many landowners seek information to improve wildlife habitat on their properties. County Extension advisory groups as well as landowners and professional wildlife managers have expressed a need for up-to-date and accurate information on growing and managing wildlife food plot species on their property. There is an increasing market for the leasing of well-managed hunting property where fee for
hunting rights are equal to fees paid by farmers to farm the property
creating an excellent opportunity for landowners. In 1995 in Alabama $31.3 million dollars were generated from hunting leases on private property. One can assume the figures would be similar for S.C. An ongoing wildlife food plot demonstration program has been established in Colleton county and this successful program has been expanded to other counties. | | Response | In March of 2005 a Wildlife Food Plot shortcourse and demonstration tour was held for landowners in Hampton, Allendale and Colleton counties. Twelve landowners attended and completed the shortcourse. In May of 2005 a
presentation on Wildlife Food Plot Management was made to over 80 landowners in Edgefield county in conjunction with a tour of demmonstration plots. Information on planting and management of warm and cool season food plot species were presented. | | Impact | Ninety-five percent of those in attendance indicated an increase in knowledge of selection, fertilization, and management of food plot species. Participants indicated they are better able to select food plot species adapted to their soil and climatic conditions as a result of this program. Three indicated it was the best wildlife food plot meeting they ever attended. |
Last update5/9/2008
This website is maintained by Amy West.
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