FAQs
Below is a summary of commonly asked questions from our customers. If you don’t see any answers to your questions, feel free to contact us at 715-879-5057, or you can message us at sales@emsseed.com. We are here to help!
Elk Mound Seed FAQs
How long has Elk Mound Seed been around?
Elk Mound Seed can be traced back to 1933 when Albert “Al” Zutter purchased the Farmers Produce Company in Chippewa Falls, WI. The Elk Mound location, then called Elk Mound Feed & Farm Supply, was opened as an expansion in 1945 when Mr. Zutter started Zutter Feed & Seed Store. The company has transformed since then, focusing primarily on seed.
What type of seed does Elk Mound Seed offer?
We are a full-service seed company that offers seed corn, soybeans, alfalfa, clovers, grasses and more. Our motto is: if it’s dirty and grows, we either carry it or can get it for our customers. Don’t see something on our website? Call us at 800-401-7333.
Does Elk Mound Seed have sized seed corn?
We recognize the need for specific seed size requests for seed corn. However, seed size requests must be paid up front and be picked up with three weeks of notification. We cannot guarantee seed size requests in season.
What is the best time to harvest small grain mixes? Peas/Oats | Peas/Barley | Peas/Trit
Our small grains and peas mixes should be harvested at the late boot stage (a few heads showing) for lactating dairy cows and the soft dough stage (kernels start developing) for heifers, dry cows, and beef cattle. Harvesting at the late boot stage will generally result in forage that is about 125-130 RFQ. Harvesting at the soft dough stage will increase tonnage but result in forage that is about 100-110 RFQ.
What is my planting rate?
Each seed has its own seeding rate recommendation. Additionally, seed will have a different seeding rate if broadcasted or drilled and if mixed with other seed. Check out our full sheet of seeding rates HERE. If you do not find your answer here, do not hesitate to call us at 800-401-7333 or email us at sales@elkmoundseed.com.
How to Dormant Fall Seed?
Also known as “frost seeding,” dormant seeding is best used in problem areas that are not suitable for seeding in the spring and summer. Attempt dormant seeding when temperatures approach freezing and germination is unlikely.
What does “fall dormancy score” mean in Alfalfa?
A fall dormancy score ranges from 1 to 10. The higher the number, the quicker the alfalfa will recover after a cutting during the fall months. In Northwestern Wisconsin, you should look for a score between 1-4. Aggressive alfalfa cutters would require a score closer to 4.
What is “winter survival rating” in Alfalfa?
A winter survival rating ranges from 1 to 6. Alfalfa varieties with a score of 1, display little or no winterkill damage, and those with severe damage are given a 6 rating. In northwestern Wisconsin, a winter hardiness score of 2.0 or below is best.
MonsterBuck FAQs
What should my pH be when planting a food plot?
The pH of your soil will measure its acidity. Optimal soil pH for MonsterBuck products is 6.8; However, some mixes and individual seeds can tolerate lower pH levels. If your pH is below 6.5, we recommend adding lime to your soil before you plant to improve your pH. Purchase our Soil Test Kit ($19.95), and have your soil tested to ensure the most accurate pH reading with lime/fertilizer recommendations. With continuous management, you should be able to produce the best food plot.
Do you have instructions to plant MonsterBuck Seed?
Yes, check out our planting instructions guide.
What would be the best thing to plant in my food plot?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your goals. If your objective is to hold the deer and provide forage throughout the growing months, products such as alfalfa or clover are suggested. If your objective is to attract deer, products such as corn and brassicas are recommended.
When is the best time to plant?
A spring planted plot should be planted as soon as the risk for a hard frost subsides. This will give your plot the best chance to get established before the weeds and the hot, dry summer months. A fall planted plot should be planted 4-6 weeks before your expected frost date. This will give your plots enough time to become established before the winter. ALWAYS AVOID PLANTING IN HOT, DRY SOILS!!!
What separates MonsterBuck Food Plots from the competition?
The developers at MonsterBuck Food Plots source our seed from northern climates, where seeds tend to be more northern hardy. By doing so, our products are much more likely to survive the harshest of winters. Does this mean that our products won't perform in the South? Definitely not, MonsterBuck products will perform equally well in southern climates.
Why doesn't MonsterBuck use fancy, shiny packaging?
At MonsterBuck Food Plots, we believe that what is inside the bag is far more important than what's shown on the outside. 44
Do I need to fertilize my plot?
This is a difficult question to answer without a soil test. Some areas are going to be sufficient in the needed nutrients while others won't. To make sure, purchase our Soil Test Kit ($19.95).
My deer prefer a specific product. Why should I plant a mix?
The developers at MonsterBuck Food Plots have formulated our mixes to be productive throughout the growing season. Because of this, deer prefer eating different forages at different times of the year. Sometimes planting a monoculture (one species) is effective, but not always.
How deep should I plant my seed?
MonsterBuck products should be seeded between ¼" and ½" deep. If you have heavy soil, plant near ¼", if you have sandy soil, plant near ½". As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the seed, the shallower it should be planted. The only exception to this is seed corn. MonsterBuck seed corn should be planted between 1 ½" and 2 ½" deep, depending on the soil texture.
How long will my food plots last?
Our perennial mixes should last 3 years or more if properly maintained. Mowing your perennial plots at least once a year, if not twice, will greatly increase the longevity and persistence of your stands. Our annual mixes will be dead after one full growing season.
How much area of food plots should I have?
In order to sufficiently support a deer herd, your food plot should be between 5-10% of your total hunting acreage.
What is the most overlooked process in planting food plots?
In the eyes of the people at MonsterBuck, the most overlooked process is definitely seed-to-soil compaction. Getting proper seed-to-soil contact is pertinent, especially with small seeds such as alfalfa and clover.
Elk Mound Wildflower FAQs
How should I store my unused seed?
We recommend ordering what is needed for the year. However, if you do have extra seed leftover, store in a cool dry place. Make sure your seed is stored in a secure plastic bag so insects and bugs cannot locate your seedlings. With proper storage you should not lose more than 5% germination per year.
When will my wildflowers bloom?
Bloom time of wildflowers are based on plant characteristics, the geographic location, and other mother nature factors. A large majority of wildflowers will bloom in the spring and summer with a smaller amount blooming in the fall. Some wildflowers take into the second year, and even third year, after planting to bloom so patience is required when planting wildflowers.
Do I have to fertilize wildflowers?
Fertilizing is not necessary for wildflowers. However, if you want to use a fertilizer low in nitrogen. High nitrogen fertilizers will encourage grass growth.
How many seeds per packet/pound/etc.?
This answer depends on seed size of particular specie. Some species have more seeds per pound than others, which means one pound will cover more area than species with less seeds per pound. Each product will have seed counts in the product description.
What is my seeding rate?
Each specie of seed has it’s unique seeding rate depending on seed size, plant size, row spacing, etc. When viewing each product, located the seeding rate information in the product description to understand coverage area.
How long for shipping at Elk Mound Wildflowers?
We use UPS, USPS, and SpeeDee for shipments. Average transit time is 2-9 business days. Most product will ship from our midwest warehouse. However, some product will ship from multiple warehouses.Expedited shipping at request only. Please email jordan@monsterbuck.com.
Do I have to consider my soil type?
Unless your soil is actually sterile, which is rare, it is recommended that you use your soil as you find it. Wildflowers, as we see on every roadside, are extremely adaptable. However, your soil is heavy clay, you can till in sand to loosen it. If anything is growing in the area — even if it’s just grasses or weeds — the area should support wildflowers with the soil just as you found it. Wildflowers may be adaptable, but they’re not magic.