Peeps,
Mo knows a lot more about mowing foodplots than I'll ever know (no pun intended) but, the only thing I'd add is keep an eye on it. If your soil is sandy you may want to time your mowings in front of a good rain. Mine go dormant in July heat if they are cut. The rain helps perk them up. The mowing definitely helps clover fill in kills annual weeds.
I've said it on other threads but, look around on Craigslist for walk behind DR brushcutters for $1200 range. I use mine to keep trails open and mow my plots. Fits in my truck easy with ramps. They'll last 15-20 years easily. If you progress and get a tractor or other hardware you could sell and get your money back.