Wilder Game Food (WGF) Grain Sorghum

Untreated Seed

Wilder Game Food (WGF) Grain Sorghum was university developed to accommodate the special need of upland birds (Quail, Turkey, Pheasant, and Prairie Chicken) and migratory birds (Ducks, Geese and Dove). It offers both fall and winter food sources and beneficial cover for the birds. 

WGF grain sorghum is an early maturing (46-50 day to midbloom) heavy grain producer. Average plant height of 38 to 42 inches. Unlike conventional grain hybrids, WGF grain sorghum imparts a bitter taste to predatory birds (Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starling, etc.) during milk and dough stages of grain development. This bitter taste disappears with the maturity of the plant and grain, thus becoming palatable to wild game birds during the fall and winter months. 

The red-brown pericarp outer layer of the seed serves as a mold-and rotting-repellant during long exposure to cold and wet winter conditions. The crop residue provides an excellent cover for the birds while providing non-weathering food source as well.

Seeding Date:

Late-May – Early July.  When soil temps are 62°F+

Seeding:

8 lbs per acre in rows.  10 lbs per acre drilled. Plant 1-1.5” deep.

$58.00 / 50lb Bag (untreated)

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Best Use: Grain sorghum can be used for human food market (variety specific), livestock feed, forage for livestock, and food and bedding habitat for wildlife.

Adaptation: Wide range of adaptation. Early maturing varieties can produce viable crop in the upper Midwest.

Management: Requires nitrogen fertility (up to 150 lbs N per year). Manage potential for prussic acid & nitrate build-up.

Planting Date: Late May to early July (soil at 62°F+)

Seeding: Drill 5-15 lbs/acre ½” to 1½” deep. Use high end of rate for broadcasting.

 

Click here to learn more about Alternative Forage Crops. by Dr. Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist at the University of Wisconsin.

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