Torsgad september 15 2022

 

Brassicas growing in food plot despite serious lack of rain prior to September 15, 2022

 

Text message about food plot growth

A: You're in over your head!

S: No, I'm outstanding in my field.

 

    I used my Wannaska cap as a scale along a nicely growing patch of turnips that I planted in early August this year. Perhaps it was a little early, but I anticipated they'd need a head start since it's been so dry here since our rain-filled month of May. Dependable rain showers have eluded us in this part of Roseau County, either going northeasterly toward Roseau, or south around us and toward Warroad.

    Before Thursday September 15th, we sorely lacked the rain necessary for the food plots to grow appreciably. I was growing desperate as days passed without rain in sight. I even went as far as pumping water from the creek for one food plot not very far away, but it didn't impact it appreciably. Hardly worth the effort.

 

The best looking spot along the failing half.

    Half of one lengthy food plot looked like a failure for the second year in a row. Its other half wasn't exactly a picture of health either, but held much more promise of producing at least something before freeze-up, the time when brassicas i.e., turnips, radishes and the like really shine. 

An improving section after an inch of rain in three showers

    Apparently deer don't take to their leafy green tops until after a good frost and the leaves turn to sugar. Then, piqued with desire other than chasing one another around during rut, they will dig into the ground --frozen or otherwise-- to get at the roots. This sweet difference exceeds the attraction of winter rye, oats and wheat; the latter two especially.  

Hope it rains for a week!