Early Stages of NO-TILL FOOD PLOTS w/ Mitchell Shirk

In the 24th “Wing and Tail Boys” podcast episode, Chris and Angelo discuss property management and food plotting with Mitchell Shirk, a row crop agronomist. They explore the complexities of agricultural practices, the shift towards regenerative farming, and the challenges faced by farmers in transitioning to no-till methods. The conversation also touches on public land management, the role of technology in agriculture, and the educational gaps that exist in understanding modern farming practices. 

Throughout the conversation Chris, Angelo, and Mitchell discuss the complexities of modern farming practices, particularly focusing on the use of glyphosate, the importance of understanding soil health, and the challenges of no-till farming. They explore the historical context of land use, the knowledge gap between practitioners and researchers, and the strategies for effective planting and crop management. 

The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to agriculture that considers both ecological balance and practical farming techniques. They go on to discuss the intricacies of soil temperature, planting timing, and the challenges of managing food plots in regions with shorter growing seasons. They explore strategies for effective food plot management, including the importance of diverse plant species and the impact of deer density on food plot success. The discussion also covers the implementation of no-till practices for new food plots and emphasizes the need to simplify complex agricultural practices for better understanding and execution.