Soybeans (forage type) vs Ladino White Clover
A warm-season annual powerhouse versus a low-maintenance perennial — your acreage decides this one.
| Soybeans (forage type) | Ladino White Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | annual | perennial |
| Season | warm-season | cool-season |
| Seeding rate (broadcast) | 70–80 lbs/ac | 4–6 lbs/ac |
| Drilled rate | 50 lbs/ac | 3 lbs/ac |
| Ideal soil pH | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Plant depth | 1" | 1/4" |
| Days to maturity | 90–150 days | 30–45 days |
| Deer preference | High | High |
When to choose each
Plant Soybeans (forage type) if…
Plant soybeans on real acreage with moderate deer numbers. They deliver unmatched summer protein and tonnage during antler growth, and the standing pods feed deer well into late season — but they need enough ground to outrun browsing while they establish.
Plant Ladino White Clover if…
Plant clover on small plots or under heavy browse pressure. Deer can wipe a young bean field to bare dirt, while clover regrows after grazing, tolerates abuse, and feeds deer spring through fall for years with little input.
The practical play
Many managers run both: soybean fields for summer nutrition on open ground, and perennial clover plots near cover that hold up to constant grazing. If your only ground is small, skip the beans and lean on clover — a wiped-out bean plot feeds nothing.
The bottom line
Which should you plant?
On real acreage with moderate deer numbers, soybeans deliver unmatched summer tonnage and high-protein forage, plus late-season pods. But deer can wipe out a small bean plot before it establishes — under about 2–3 acres or with heavy browse pressure, plant clover instead for a resilient, year-round perennial that bounces back from grazing.
Calculator
Soybeans (forage type)seed & lime →
70–80 lbs/ac · plant 1" deep
Calculator
Ladino White Cloverseed & lime →
4–6 lbs/ac · plant 1/4" deep
Where to buy seed
Compare prices and bag sizes for Soybeans (forage type) and Ladino White Clover online.
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