In this episode, Matt Dye discusses the establishment and management of alfalfa as a food plot crop. He emphasizes the importance of proper soil preparation, planting techniques, and weed control strategies to ensure a successful alfalfa stand. The podcast also highlights the nutritional benefits of alfalfa for wildlife, particularly deer, and its versatility throughout the seasons. Matt shares personal experiences and insights to encourage listeners to consider alfalfa as a reliable food source for their properties.

In this episode of the Land of Legacy podcast, host Matt Dye introduces a new format that combines video breakdowns with podcast content. He discusses a client's hunting property, focusing on access strategies, the importance of discipline in hunting, and the benefits of converting crop land to CRP for improved habitat. The conversation emphasizes the significance of road systems in property management and concludes with a look at future opportunities for hunting and land management.

This week we take a new look at what recreational real estate should look like on the market! We highlight and talk in depth about a clients property that didn't last long before going under contract. We wanted to share this with you so that you know what a truly fairly represented farm looks like. Also, we discuss what Farm Tier this property falls under!

In the video we highlight this farm's features such as hunting access, CRP, food plots and diversity of crops. TSI, prescribed fire regime, and more! This farm has it all, from the perfect living quarters to an ideal balance of open acres to managed timber acres. Review this farm with us and put it to memory, that this is what managed farms look like!

Enjoy the podcast and reach out to your local Whitetail Properties agents for more assistance in your real estate needs.

Farm Listing Link: https://www.whitetailproperties.com/hunting-land/missouri/putnam/putnam-co-mo-405-hinkle

LandBeat Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfa8ugqN9-w&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=17&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci9P20Ad4Pc&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=18&t=324s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKbhCj2qpb0&list=PLb5o-rUKMbQ7sCqhbd6Oo0pWq8A7MRVSW&index=19&t=328s

In Part 2 of the Thermal Drone Wildlife survey series, we breakdown a new service option for those listening and entertaining how beneficial a thermal drone survey can be. We speak with Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys who will be the contractor conducting the flights for this new service. His level of expertise, skill, and professionalism are top notch in the world of whitetails and thermal drones.

It is our firm belief that most simple drone surveys certainly do answer two basic questions, how many deer do I have and where are they located? As this is great information, there leaves a ton to be desired. With more analysis and reviewing of the flights as they are all recorded, we can dive deeper. We can answer more questions about the herd trends, fawn recruitment rates, clear harvest objectives, habitat usage, deer patterns/property usage during certain weather/wind patterns. This kind of information will serve you and your knowledge of a property very well and for a long time. It can also answer, how well have my habitat improvements worked, are they being utilized by deer or bypassed?

Thermal drones are great tools! You have to learn them to know where they shine and when you have to analyze the information to pull more value from the thermal flights. We are excited to offer this new service and allow you to continue to learn as a land steward.

During this podcast we start a short series on drone surveying for wildlife population surveys. the more data you have about the wild free ranging deer herd that you have, the better a herd manager you can be. Part 1 is going to talk about the methodology behind a thermal drone survey and why they are effective! In addition, we talk about the journey we took to best understand these surveys.

To become the best managers, oftentimes we need to embrace technology and the opportunities that these advancements can provide while still remaining honest about their limitations or the skills or lack of skills of a drone operator. We talk in length about the pros and cons of this technology and surveying technique as we compare it to pellet surveys, trail camera surveys, and more.

Tune in next week as we reveal more about the future of drone surveys and how you may be able to get our eyes on your herd to guide you in becoming a better herd manager through thermal drone surveying.

We are always working on the property trying to enhance the habitat, or preparing food plots, but oftentimes opening day slips up on us before we are really ready. This is a great time of year to get the most important part of the hunt ready for success. This week Alan and Brady discuss what you need to be doing ahead of season, to get your stands ready for the upcoming season.

Tools we find helpful:

-Safety Harness

-ratchet straps

-chainsaws

-machete

-hedge trimmers

-rope

-wasp spray/bug spray

Choosing the right location:

-access

-getting off the edge

-cover!!!!

-creating pinch points

Types of stands:

-climbers

-lock-ons

-saddles

-ground blinds

-kid friendly setups

Check out the Mobile Hunter's Expo to try out the latest and greatest in the mobile game!

Southern show in Dalton, GA August 8-10

Midwestern show in Wilmington, OH August 22-24

Buying "the right" farm can be a daunting task. Luckily, we have some helpful tips and tricks that can make the process a breeze, all the way to the closing table. On this week's podcast, Alan Summerford and Brady Bradley discuss what should be at the top of your list when purchasing a farm. They dive deep into the buying process and why there are certain things you should not overlook before you pull the trigger on that new piece of dirt!

This week we have on guest Brock Knapp from Accu-drone Solutions. Brock is a licensed drone operator and herbicide applicator in Arkansas and Missouri. His business issues drone technology to manage farms and recreational land. Both for aerial spraying and seeding!

We discuss in depth the tech behind drones, the upsides and struggles that drones have, the it effectiveness and efficiencies compared to normal spraying applications. Hills, hollers, spot spray or broadcast spray, these tools can handle the job with less waste, water, and time!

In this podcast Kyle and Frank break down a research paper that compared late spring burns vs. fall burns and the plant response, deer usage, and turkey usage in those burns. Spring units created more forbs ,fall burns created more woody browse. Spring units were better for deer nutrition and turkey broods. Fall units were better for deer bedding and turkey nesting.

This week Matt and Chainsaw Chad discuss the ins and out of forbs and the value they provide to lactating whitetail and bucks developing antlers. We review a recent NDA article published by Mark Turner named "One Type of Plant is the Greatest source of Deer Nutrition. Here's How to Grow it"

We get deep into the Crude Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus nutritional demands and which forbs provide the adequate % to demands of a lactating whitetail doe. Broadleaf species such as marestail, jewelweed, pokeweed, ragweed, old field aster and giant ragweed rise to the top of the list when it comes to nutritional value. It does appear that calcium levels and protein levels are rarely lacking, but the phosphorus levels are less commonly found met by forage values.

Regardless, the true takehome value comes from offering diversity in your forages! Both, forbs and woody and semi-woody plants need to offered in abundance! Its not food plots that are meeting the needs of whitetail deer, its weeds! Promote weeds to feed deer.