Iron & Clay Cowpeas Food Plot Seeds
Premium Annual Warm-Season Wildlife Forage
Iron & Clay Cowpeas are one of the most trusted and widely planted warm-season food plot seeds for deer, turkey, quail, dove, and other wildlife. Known for their rapid establishment, heavy forage production, and high protein content, these annual legumes are ideal for creating productive spring and summer food plots throughout the Southern United States and Transition Zone.
These highly palatable cowpeas produce tender new growth that deer aggressively browse during early growth stages, while mature plants continue producing nutrient-rich forage throughout the growing season. As plants mature, they develop seed-filled pods that provide additional late-season feed for upland birds and other wildlife species.
Iron & Clay Cowpeas are also valued for their adaptability, drought tolerance, nitrogen-fixing ability, and compatibility with other food plot blends, including sorghum, millet, soybeans, sunflowers, and forage grasses.
Key Benefits of Iron & Clay Cowpeas
| Feature |
Benefit |
| High Protein Wildlife Forage |
Provides nutrient-rich feed for deer and wildlife |
| Rapid Germination & Establishment |
Quickly develops attractive forage in warm soils |
| Excellent Deer Attraction |
Tender seedlings are highly preferred by whitetail deer |
| Heavy Summer Forage Production |
Produces abundant biomass during warm weather |
| Good Regrowth Potential |
Continues producing after moderate browsing pressure |
| Nitrogen-Fixing Legume |
Helps improve soil fertility naturally |
| Game Bird Friendly |
Mature pods provide feed for turkey, quail, and dove |
| Excellent for Food Plot Mixes |
Blends well with millet, sorghum, soybeans, and sunflowers |
| Warm-Season Annual |
Ideal for spring and summer planting programs |
Product Specifications
| Product Detail |
Information |
| Seed Type |
Iron & Clay Cowpeas |
| Plant Type |
Annual Warm-Season Legume |
| Primary Uses |
Deer food plots, wildlife forage, cover crops |
| Protein Content |
High-protein forage source |
| Growth Habit |
Vigorous vine and forage producer |
| Planting Season |
Spring through summer |
| Sun Requirement |
Full sun |
| Planting Depth |
1/2 inch |
| Inoculant Needed |
Yes – Cowpea/Legume inoculant recommended |
| Drought Tolerance |
Good once established |
Planting Rates & Coverage
| Application Type |
Recommended Rate |
| Broadcast Seeding |
50–75 lbs. per acre |
| Overseeding Rate |
20–25 lbs. per acre |
| Small Food Plots |
3–5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Planting Depth |
Approximately 1/2 inch |
Why Choose Iron & Clay Cowpeas for Food Plots?
Iron & Clay Cowpeas remain a favorite among hunters, land managers, and wildlife enthusiasts for their ability to produce abundant, highly attractive forage during the critical spring and summer growing seasons. Deer are especially drawn to the tender young leaves during early emergence, making cowpeas one of the most effective warm-season attraction crops available.
Unlike many forage crops, Iron & Clay Cowpeas continue to produce during periods of heat and summer stress while improving soil conditions through natural nitrogen fixation. Their sprawling growth habit also helps suppress weeds and improve soil coverage in food plot systems.
As the season progresses, mature plants develop protein-rich pods that provide additional feed for turkey, quail, dove, and other upland game birds. This makes Iron & Clay Cowpeas an excellent multi-species wildlife planting option.
Ideal Uses
-
Deer food plots
-
Summer wildlife forage
-
Turkey and quail habitat
-
Warm-season cover crop programs
-
Soil-building crop rotations
-
Wildlife management properties
-
Mixed forage and screening plots
-
Hunting property nutrition programs
Planting Tips for Best Results
For best germination and forage production:
-
Plant after danger of frost when soil temperatures are consistently warm
-
Prepare a firm, weed-free seedbed before planting
-
Cover seed lightly at approximately 1/2 inch depth
-
Use a recommended cowpea inoculant for improved nitrogen fixation
-
Fertilize according to soil test recommendations
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Avoid excessive grazing pressure during early establishment
Iron & Clay Cowpeas thrive in warm climates and perform exceptionally well in southern food plot programs where high-quality summer forage is essential for wildlife nutrition and antler development.
