About Grain Sorghum / Milo
Grain sorghum (milo) is a warm-season annual cereal that deer largely ignore during vegetative growth but descend upon once seed heads mature in fall, providing high-energy carbohydrate forage that deer rely on through winter. Its drought tolerance surpasses corn, and it performs better on heavier, poorer soils, making it useful in regions or years when corn is difficult to establish. Grain sorghum stands also provide excellent vertical structure for deer cover and turkey habitat, and standing stalks protect the seed heads from weathering, extending the food source into late winter.
How much Grain Sorghum / Milo seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Grain Sorghum / Milo is 10–15 lbs per acre, dropping to about 6.5 lbs per acre when drilled. 10–15 lb/ac broadcast; 5–8 lb/ac drilled. Sorghum is not widely broadcast-planted — drilling in rows (30-inch) is standard practice; broadcast rates are approximate for food plot use. Plant when soil temp reaches 60–65°F. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Grain Sorghum / Milo
Grain Sorghum / Milo is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in May–Jun (soil temp 60–65°F); farther south, plant in Apr–Jun. Sow it 3/4" deep and plan on 60–100+ depending on variety.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; 80–100 lb/ac actual N (175–220 lb/ac 46-0-0) six to eight weeks after planting. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Grain Sorghum / Milo blends well with soybeans, cowpeas, lablab, corn, sunflowers if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Grain Sorghum / Milo FAQ
- How much Grain Sorghum / Milo seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Grain Sorghum / Milo at about 10–15 lbs per acre, or 6.5 lbs per acre if you drill it. 10–15 lb/ac broadcast; 5–8 lb/ac drilled. Sorghum is not widely broadcast-planted — drilling in rows (30-inch) is standard practice; broadcast rates are approximate for food plot use. Plant when soil temp reaches 60–65°F.
- When should I plant Grain Sorghum / Milo?
- In the northern US plant in May–Jun (soil temp 60–65°F); in the South plant in Apr–Jun. Expect 60–100+ depending on variety.
- What soil pH does Grain Sorghum / Milo need?
- Grain Sorghum / Milo does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; 80–100 lb/ac actual N (175–220 lb/ac 46-0-0) six to eight weeks after planting.
- Do deer like Grain Sorghum / Milo?
- Deer preference: seasonal — deer generally avoid the plant during early growth; very high attraction to mature seed heads from fall through winter; excellent carbohydrate source.