Wildlife Grain Sorghum

• Developed specifically for game birds
• Resistant to sparrows, blackbirds and starlings during milk and dough stage
• Resistant to weather deterioration of the grain

Wildlife Grain Sorghum was specifically developed as a fall and winter food source for upland game birds (quail, turkey, pheasant and prairie chicken) and migratory birds (ducks, geese and doves).

Wildlife Grain Sorghum is a heavy seed producing, early maturing (50-55 days to midbloom) variety which has early planting cold tolerance and excellent tillering for greater variation of grain maturity.

Unlike many conventional grain sorghum hybrids, Wildlife Grain Sorghum imparts a bitter grain taste to predatory birds (sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, etc.) during the milk and dough stages of development. The bitter taste disappears when the seed reaches maturity.

The pericarp layer of the seed acts as a mold and rotting repellant of the grain during exposure to winter weather conditions. In additon to providing a non-weathering and non-rotting winter food source, the foliage provides an excellent source of beneficial cover for birds. Wildlife Grain Sorghum is not meant for commercial grain production due to high tannin content.

Seeding:

• Soil temperature should be at least 60 F.
• Wildlife Grain Sorghum is usually planted between June 10 and July 10 in the northern states.
• Can be no-tilled into the stubble of winter and spring crops.
• Planting depth should be 1”.
• Do not plant in soils with pH greater than 7.5 to 8.0. Chlorosis will be a severe problem.
• Wildlife Grain Sorghum is an excellent companion with Black Autry Cowpeas and other game seed.

Harvest:

• Wildlife Grain Sorghum is usually ready for game bird feeding about 95 days after seeding.

Strengths

• Highly palatable after maturity to game birds.
• Provides feed for many types of game.
• Easily established.
• Adapted over a wide area.
• Responds well to varied weather conditions.

Weaknesses

• Requires warm soil temperature for germination.