About Corn (field corn)
Field corn provides the highest energy food source available in a managed deer food plot — mature ears contain approximately 72% starch, giving deer the caloric density they need to maintain body condition through the rut and survive harsh winters. While protein is relatively low (8–10%), the combination of high energy and strong attractiveness makes corn one of the most valuable crops in a diversified food plot program, particularly for northern regions with cold winters. Corn requires a planter for best results, significant fertility investment, and enough plot acreage to stay ahead of deer pressure — smaller plots in high-deer areas are typically stripped before hunting season.
How much Corn (field corn) seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Corn (field corn) is 15–20 lbs per acre, dropping to about 10 lbs per acre when drilled. Corn is almost always planted with a planter at 8–12 lb/ac (28,000–32,000 seeds/ac). Broadcast is possible at 15–20 lb/ac but stand uniformity suffers; increase broadcast rate ~15% above planter rate. These are per-acre weights at standard seed sizes — count-based planter populations are more accurate. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Corn (field corn)
Corn (field corn) is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in May–early Jun; farther south, plant in Apr–May. Sow it 1.5" deep and plan on 80–110.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300–400 lb/ac 13-13-13 at planting; 150–200 lb/ac actual N side-dress at V5–V6 stage (roughly 30-inch tall). Corn is the heaviest nitrogen user of any food plot crop. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Corn (field corn) blends well with soybeans, cowpeas, lablab, grain sorghum, sunflowers if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Corn (field corn) FAQ
- How much Corn (field corn) seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Corn (field corn) at about 15–20 lbs per acre, or 10 lbs per acre if you drill it. Corn is almost always planted with a planter at 8–12 lb/ac (28,000–32,000 seeds/ac). Broadcast is possible at 15–20 lb/ac but stand uniformity suffers; increase broadcast rate ~15% above planter rate. These are per-acre weights at standard seed sizes — count-based planter populations are more accurate.
- When should I plant Corn (field corn)?
- In the northern US plant in May–early Jun; in the South plant in Apr–May. Expect 80–110.
- What soil pH does Corn (field corn) need?
- Corn (field corn) does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300–400 lb/ac 13-13-13 at planting; 150–200 lb/ac actual N side-dress at V5–V6 stage (roughly 30-inch tall). Corn is the heaviest nitrogen user of any food plot crop.
- Do deer like Corn (field corn)?
- Deer preference: high — mature ears are a premier autumn and winter energy food; protein moderate (8–10%) but very high energy (carbohydrates); deer use corn fields heavily through hard winter months.