For years, I’ve watched videos and outdoor shows with guys improving the habitat on their properties and reaping the rewards obtained from planting food plots. If you’re like me and are finally ready to give it a try, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has a deal for you.

MDC will host a Food Plot Seed Day on Wednesday at their Regional Offices on the Missouri Western campus. MDC Staff will have grain and forage sorghum on hand to give out to the public for free. Yes, you read it right — FREE.

For those of you who want to improve the habitat on your farm or lease by putting in a food plot, this is your chance. The Missouri Seed Program provides habitat planning information and food plot seed to Missouri landowners and wildlife enthusiasts.

The goals of the program are to improve the quality of wildlife habitat on private lands and promote better farmer and landowner relations with the MDC.

“The Missouri Seed Program has gone through many changes over the years. The program used to provide several seed options. This year MDC is only providing forage sorghum and thanks to Quail Unlimited we will be able to provide some grain sorghum (milo) as well.” said agent Travis Shepler, who is helping coordinate the event.

“From the time of its inception, MDC has recognized the importance of working with private landowners to improve our state’s forest, fish and wildlife resources,” Shepler said. “One way of accomplishing this goal is through the Missouri Seed Program.

Over the years, this program has helped Missourians improve thousands of acres of privately held land. In 2007 alone, MDC gave out a total of 134,585 pounds of wildlife food plot seed to more than 3,452 participants in the seed program.

Shepler noted that MDC has made changes to the seed program for 2009. They are now utilizing a voucher system for seed. Those who show up on the day of the event will be given seed at that time. After the seed day on Wednesday, any individual who wants seed must contact MDC and request a voucher.

On Seed Day, MDC will provide the public with small amounts if they wish, but the maximum will be one 25-pound bag of forage sorghum. As the seeding rate for both forage and grain sorghum is 10 pounds per acre, a 25-pound bag will be enough for a 2 ½ acre food plot.

Those who don’t make it out on Seed Day and are issued a voucher will have to redeem it at the St. Joseph MFA Agriservice Center. Each voucher will be good for one 25-pound bag of forage sorghum.

In the past seed was distributed by MDC employees or at USDA offices. Free food plot seed will no longer be available at the county USDA offices or from MDC employees.

Take some time out this spring and make the outdoors a better place by getting your seed and planting a food plot. The rewards will be great for not only the sportsmen and landowners but for Missouri’s wildlife as well.

Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at (816) 271-3100 with any questions.