Lousy results from Whitetail Institute premium seed !
Buyer beware! I've had fantastic results over the years using Cabelas brand food plot seed. Price is good, has always had 90% + germination rate, and the 5lb bags do actually seed the acerage that is indicated. They were backordered this year so I had to find another supplier. Decided to try Imperial Whitetail "Chic Magnet" forage chickory made by the Whitetail Institute. very pricey stuff, considered to be the cadillac of forage companies - over $80 per 3lb bag that is advertised as being able to seed up to 1 acre, and has a dated germination rate posted on the bag of a least 80%. I dropped over $180 for the two bags.
I did eveything right - UGuelph soil tests, N,P,K adjusted to optimum with correct amount of fertilizer, pH level perfect. As per previous years, seed bed meticulously prepared - tractor tiller, harrow, rock free. Precipitation was perfect this year. A nice soaking rain every 3 to 5 days. Seeding instructions followed as per the bag. Plot weeds and grass were double killed with glysophate (second application after tilling)
What a pile of crap! I ended up with maybe 30% germination, at best. The 3lb bag is good for maybe 0.3 acres. If you tried to plant a larger area your seedling coverage would be so ridiculously sparse that you'd have a grass and weed plot within three weeks. Really disapointed and pissed that I spent thast much money for what was supposed to be a premium product. Good thing I also put down oats and wheat. Used cheap $16/50lb bags of feed grade grain (not even seed grade). Almost 100% germination within 4 days and deer are eating it already. I'm going to try calling these guys to see if they stand by their guarentee. My bets are that I'll get the standard "PFO" reply back.
Would like to hear from others who have used Whitetail Institute seed.
