Seed Sources

[Walleyeguy13]

I've read a couple of discussions here regarding seed. It does seem to me that BOB seed is pretty expensive... even if you are only working a few acres of plots. For those who simply mix their own... what are your go-to sources for non-BOB seeds? Specifically, clover and winter rye.

 

[omicron1792]

I've read a couple of discussions here regarding seed. It does seem to me that BOB seed is pretty expensive... even if you are only working a few acres of plots. For those who simply mix their own... what are your go-to sources for non-BOB seeds? Specifically, clover and winter rye.

Clover can be ordered from alot of places like seed world, Hancock, and seed ranch. Generally need smaller amount so shipping not bad for a bag or two.

Rye and grains are cheaper if bought at local seed and feed so you don’t pay shipping.

 

[Telemark]

I buy from Merit Seed in Ohio. They have good prices and good shipping. I have purchased specialty seeds from Green Cover, but they are more expensive.

Large bags of rye or soybeans I would try to source locally because the shipping will be expensive no matter who you order from.

 

[RGrizzzz]

Cereal grains locally and smaller quantity stuff usually comes from Green Cover. I did just order some clover from Whitetail Institute. 16 lbs was $99 shipped before taxes. That's not terrible and plenty for my first seeding.

 

[Stubborn1VT]

I've used many, but my current go-tos for clover are Merit Seed or Outside Pride. In the past I've used Deer Creek or Hancock.

I think Whitetail Institute is too expensive in general, but I have always been impressed with their quality.

 

[omicron1792]

Cereal grains locally and smaller quantity stuff usually comes from Green Cover. I did just order some clover from Whitetail Institute. 16 lbs was $99 shipped before taxes. That's not terrible and plenty for my first seeding.

Their imperial clover is really good stuff.

 

[RGrizzzz]

I think Whitetail Institute is too expensive in general, but I have always been impressed with their quality.

Agreed. With the black friday special, their clover is down to a little over $6/lb. That's on par or cheaper than just about everywhere for white clover. I've got some Durana that's been going for a long time. 7ish years, I'd guess. The more premium stuff can be worth a little more money.

 

[Feelslikefar.]

I've used many, but my current go-tos for clover are Merit Seed or Outside Pride.

I don't buy a lot, but for years I bought clover seed off Amazon, not cheap. Started buying Pasture Booster from tractor supply because it was usually available on my last minute's notice trips north. Bought a bunch from the "boutique brands", again because it was available. (WT Institute, Domain etc). Dealing with Outside Pride was awful. They sent the wrong stuff, which they told be to return. I did, they sent the same wrong stuff. Rinse, repeat... they sent the same wrong stuff a third time. Finally gave up and got a refund. No more for you.

Since then I've just been ordering from Merit. Comes quick, price is as good or better than anything else I bought. I like dealing with them, plus I like being able to go back and look at old orders to remember what the heck I bought last time.

 

[Hoytvectrix]

I am a fan of Welter Seed and Albert Lea Seed. I am not a fan of paying for shipping so I try to coordinate orders with when I will be driving by either of those.

Don't be afraid of reaching out to some local smaller dealers. They can often custom order seed from wholesalers and it can work out to be worth it from not just a convenience but also price standpoint. You would be surprised with how few producers supply most of what we are all looking for in terms of named cultivars or varieties. Just do your homework now and make a few calls.

There are very few instances where VNS is worth it. You generally get what you pay for, and if one of the bigger more popular wildlife seed vendors doesn't have a cultivar listed in a mix it is because they are adding in VNS to keep the price point down. Sometimes seed availability is limited or they want a certain price point for a blend or mixture. Choose your battles, but I wouldn't settle for a convenience.

 

[bigboreblr]

Paying $20 for 50lb bag of seed rye locally. I mix in some feed oats too. Always germinated nomatter whose o bought. About 16-20lb a bag.

Durana is worth it, so is patriot.

 

[bigboreblr]

Got to watch coatings on clover. Seen 52% seed coating on a bag of crimson I bought.

0 Is best 30 Is below average. Assume 40

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Rye and grains are cheaper if bought at local seed and feed so you don’t pay shipping.

This, 100%. That's what we've done for years. ^ ^ ^ ^
For smaller seed like clover, chicory, alfalfa, and brassica - we've been buying from Welter's in Iowa for years. No problems at all.

 

[356]

I several bags of BOB at Tractor Supply, and it was a DISASTER...while the seed (and label) were a fall mix, what came up was primarily milo. When buying from the feed & seed, you can generally know what you are getting.



We planted Vitalize Carbon Load plots on about 4 acres (total, in multiple plots) that looked great despite the severe to extreme drought. These plots were broadcast into tilled soil and did great....I can only imagine how they would have done if drilled.

 

[SD51555]

I've read a couple of discussions here regarding seed. It does seem to me that BOB seed is pretty expensive... even if you are only working a few acres of plots. For those who simply mix their own... what are your go-to sources for non-BOB seeds? Specifically, clover and winter rye.

Where are u located?


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[Walleyeguy13]

Where are u located?


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Northern Minnesota.

 

[Foggy47]

SD and I are in Northern MN too. I'n in Pequot Lakes area. SD has land nearer Walker. Good sources in the north are limited. I've bought my winter rye in St Cloud at Mimbach's a few times, it's an hours drive for me and I am sometimes passing through. I may buy from 12 to 20 bags of rye at a time. Shipping is prohibitive on that quantity. Reasonable prices. They also carry a fairly complete line of food plot seeds.....and the prices are fair.....and I do not pay any shipping. They carry allot of LaCross Seeds. Also a fair amount of ag seeds like beans and corn etc.

But I do often buy from Welters Seed in Iowa, and they will normally sell 1/2 bags and pay 1/2 the freight on a decent order. Shipping costs are not too bad. As well, there are some specialty seeds from places like North Woods Whitetail. Albert Lea seeds and LaCross Seeds (whom now owns Deer Creek are good too). I have bought from Green Cover.....but the shipping gets prohibitive IMO.

 

[Walleyeguy13]

SD and I are in Northern MN too. I'n in Pequot Lakes area. SD has land nearer Walker. Good sources in the north are limited. I've bought my winter rye in St Cloud at Mimbach's a few times, it's an hours drive for me and I am sometimes passing through. I may buy from 12 to 20 bags of rye at a time. Shipping is prohibitive on that quantity. Reasonable prices. They also carry a fairly complete line of food plot seeds.....and the prices are fair.....and I do not pay any shipping. They carry allot of LaCross Seeds. Also a fair amount of ag seeds like beans and corn etc.

But I do often buy from Welters Seed in Iowa, and they will normally sell 1/2 bags and pay 1/2 the freight on a decent order. Shipping costs are not too bad. As well, there are some specialty seeds from places like North Woods Whitetail. Albert Lea seeds and LaCross Seeds (whom now owns Deer Creek are good too). I have bought from Green Cover.....but the shipping gets prohibitive IMO.

Great info. I’m in Bemidji. The cooperative here has some RJ Hunt wildlife varieties, but no winter rye that I could see. I was just looking at the Albert Lea website. Will check out the others you mentioned… thank you!

 

[SD51555]

Great info. I’m in Bemidji. The cooperative here has some RJ Hunt wildlife varieties, but no winter rye that I could see. I was just looking at the Albert Lea website. Will check out the others you mentioned… thank you!

Google says there’s a Milborn seed location in Fertile, MN. They have everything big bag you could ever want, and they are welcoming to 1-bag customers, and prices are fantastic.

Plan ahead and they’ll probably ship anything to that site for free. It’s only 70 miles from you.

Give them a call and see if that’s for real.

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[Walleyeguy13]

Google says there’s a Milborn seed location in Fertile, MN. They have everything big bag you could ever want, and they are welcoming to 1-bag customers, and prices are fantastic.

Plan ahead and they’ll probably ship anything to that site for free. It’s only 70 miles from you.

Give them a call and see if that’s for real.

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I’ll check them out… thank you!

 

[Skeeter]

Great info. I’m in Bemidji. The cooperative here has some RJ Hunt wildlife varieties, but no winter rye that I could see. I was just looking at the Albert Lea website. Will check out the others you mentioned… thank you!

Try giving them a call at Albert Lea seed and see how close to you they are delivering to local sellers. If I order in advance enough, I can get their products from an elevator near Sauk Centre that deals with them. Saves a bunch on shipping.