EDGEFIELD, S.C. — This spring, the NWTF is excited to offer its annual seed programs to NWTF members. The Seed Subsidy program, offered in 21 states, allows NWTF members to purchase seed at a reduced cost for habitat plantings. The cost of the seed is shared by the NWTF state chapters that are enrolled in the program.
The NWTF also offers its Conservation Seed program, which helps seed companies distribute outdated commercial seed that can only be used for conservation purposes. The companies dispose of the surplus, treated seeds they can no longer sell by providing it to the NWTF through a seed broker.
Pallets of outdated seed types — like corn, soybeans, milo and wheat — are shipped to participating NWTF chapters for distribution to members in a particular state. Distribution of seeds is then the responsibility of chapter representatives managing the programs. For anyone interested, be active with participating chapters.
All individuals receiving seed must be an NWTF member, the seed must be planted for wildlife only (not for feeding livestock), and members must sign a stewardship agreement that shows they understand these requirements.
Both seed programs support critical nesting, brood-rearing and winter habitat needs for wild turkeys and other wildlife. There are several different seed mixes members can choose from, each with its own benefits.
“For example, planting grasses and clover helps turkeys and their broods because those ecosystems attract insects the poults need to grow and survive,” said Doug Little, NWTF director of conservation operations in the East. “Some of our native warm season grass blends are good for building nesting habitat because it provides cover.”
Most of the seed mix bags through the subsidy program cover about an acre, but there are others through the conservation surplus seed program, which typically covers about three acres.
Anna Hargis, NWTF seed program assistant, just took over the role in January and has goals for spreading the word about the seed programs.
“One of the ways that we do that is working with the landowners enrolled in conservation programs,” Hargis said. “Sometimes landowners learn that we have a seed program and contact us to see if we have something that fits a certain program requirement for a grant that they’re participating in. By doing this, we tap into another group of potential NWTF members while making an impact on conservation.”
Hargis is an avid gardener and working in this position has informed her about the different types of seeds and how they benefit wildlife.
“I purchased the eastern monarch mix that we offer, and we’re going to plant that this coming weekend, up on our property in the Virginia mountains,” she said. “I’m really interested and excited to see how it grows up there and how it will benefit the wildlife.”
She speaks to NWTF members about the seed program on a daily basis and is learning a lot from them as well.
“I hear about the positive experience that they’ve had with our seed programs and how greatly it’s impacted the populations of turkey on their property, especially by planting chufa,” Hargis said.
Hargis is currently working to streamline the current seed order process. Eventually, she hopes to find even more effective ways to promote the program and make it easier for members to purchase seed.
If you’re a member and you’re in one of the states that offer the seed subsidy program, you should have received an email announcing the program. This is another reason providing your email is so helpful when joining or renewing. If you’re interested, see if your state is in the program here.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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