Recent content by Buckhunter10

Clover, alfalfa, and other heavy legume monocultures have a place in orchard, garden, and food plot systems. But over time, legumes increase available nitrogen in the soil. Combined with natural stand thinning, this creates an environment where grasses become more competitive. By year 3+, many...

Full NRCS post is up. Thanks to all who came and listened. I hope you find this useful!

Plant protein percentages can be misleading. Seeds and forages are often marketed by protein levels. 20 percent. 30 percent. Higher must be better, right? But here is the real question. How can a seed guarantee protein when the soil supplies the nitrogen and amino acid building blocks needed...

There are a lot of opinions on clover seeding rates. At Vitalize Seed, we typically recommend around 6 lbs per acre for perennial clover mixes. Sometimes growers go a little higher depending on conditions, but through years of trial, error, and referencing university research, one thing becomes...

When I first started this garden, my tiller couldn’t even break the ground. It bounced across the surface like a dirt track race on an August night, dust flying as high as the new house. The soil was basically a brick factory. I knew that with no-till practices, cover crops, and organic...

It has been such a blessing to chase these amazing animals most of my life! The last 6 season have been a dream come true! Cant wait to see what is next! Thankful to my wife and family for the support in this obsession.

What is nutrient cycling? At Vitalize Seed we talk often about nutrient cycling because soil health is not built in a single planting. It is built through systems. Nutrient cycling happens when one crop helps feed the next. Plants capture nutrients and carbon while they grow. When that crop...

Can tillage actually increase soil organic matter? Yes. But there’s a catch. When soil is tilled, oxygen enters the system and microbial activity increases rapidly. Think of it like blowing oxygen on a fire. Microbes burn carbon for energy and release much of it as CO₂. This is where the laws...

Bryce insisted on this years buck being in his room - no complaints from dad! On to find the next one!

2025 buck is ready - can’t wait to find another one for 2026!

I never could have imagined that writing a few occasional blogs about soil health, food plots for deer, and my tomato garden would lead to the opportunity to present in the great state of West Virginia. Recently, I had the honor of speaking to an outstanding group that included members of NRCS...