Food plot enthusiasts and wildlife biologists often ask: Do Buck Forage Oats (BFO) significantly outperform regular forage oats? This article synthesizes decades of side‑by‑side trials, forum reports, and expert guidance to deliver an evidence-based comparison that helps you make informed decisions for your plot strategy.
Understanding Oat Varieties:
Regular Feed or Grain Oats
Often seed-grade Bob oats or other spring varieties—cheap but typically lower germination and not winter-hardy options compared to buck forage oats.
Forage Oats
Selected for leafiness, quick vegetative growth, and palatability—commonly spring types also used in hay mix trials.
Buck Forage Oats (BFO)
A patented winter-hardy oat bred for fall food plots, cold tolerance, drought resistance, prolonged green-leaf stage, and high palatability—even through deep snow hunts.
Nutritional & Deer Preference Comparison
Deer Preference
- National Deer Association notes oats rank among top cereal grains deer prefer due to high digestibility and protein content (>25% CP, ADF <20%)
Nutritional Value
Both BFO and high-quality forage oats deliver excellent protein and digestibility if soils are limed and fertilized properly; differences in forage nutrition are minimal when density is equal.
Cold Tolerance & Seasonal Performance
Regular spring oats typically die back once temperatures drop below freezing. In contrast, BFO—a true winter oat—can survive sustained cold (even into winter hunts) From trials:
“The winter rye outdid the BFO in freezing temps … at four times the price.” (southern growers)
“Regular feed store oats … did not handle freeze any better than BFO.” (Northeast PA)
Northern growers in Zone 4–5 often found limited winter longevity even with BFO, gaining only 1 extra week of green compared to feed oats.
Yield and Forage Longevity
- Yield: Forage oats typically produce 3,000–4,000 lbs/acre (dry weight) in fall; BFO yield is similar when planted at recommended seeding rates with proper fertility.
- Longevity: BFO tends to provide longer green leaf duration through mild winters; but in harsh zones, end‑of‑season mortality occurs close to regular oats.
Cost vs. Value Analysis
- Price: BFO can cost $30–$40 per 50 lb bag—often 2–3× more than local feed-grade oats (~$10–15)
- Value: Some users reported modest yield benefit (~10%) at best, not always worth the high premium.
- Anecdotal experiences vary: “I don’t think there is a benefit to pay extra for BFO … cheapest seed oats … no benefit.”
Others state: “Almost all plots got eaten to dirt—only BFO plots held deer interest long”.
Planting Recommendations & Seed Mixes
Seeding Rate & Timing
- Pure stand: 100–120 lb/acre broadcast (or 70–80 lb drilled), disk lightly 1–2″ deep.
- Planting window: Mid‑Aug to early Sept in cooler zones; freeze risk is the main limit for oats.
Mixtures to Extend Plot Life
- Combine oats with winter wheat, cereal rye, winter peas, brassicas, or clover to extend forage into late season and mitigate winter kill risk.
Crop Rotation
Repeated annual planting of oats—especially BFO—can deplete specific nutrients; rotating or mixing prevents fertility declines and keeps plots productive.
Regional Insights & Case Studies
Southern U.S.
In warmer zones, BFO holds green much longer and deer activity extends into winter, offering tangible advantages over feed oats.
Northern U.S. & Canada (Zones 4–5)
Trials in PA and upper Michigan showed little difference: BFO and regular oats both succumbed quickly to early freezes; some users opted for winter grains rather than paying premium for minimal benefit.
Final Verdict: Are BFO Worth It?
| Factor | Buck Forage Oats (BFO) | Regular Feed/Forage Oats |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Attractiveness | High — often browsed to bare ground | Still attractive, sometimes less intensely used |
| Cold Tolerance | Winter-hardy; survives mild freezes | Frost-sensitive; often winterkills |
| Seasonal Longevity | Slightly extended in mild winters | Short − dies quickly after first freeze |
| Yield | Comparable to quality forage oats | Good yield if properly managed |
| Cost | Much higher ($30–40/bag) | Budget-friendly ($10–15/bag) |
| Standalone Plot Use | Works well; holds deer longer | Effective, shorter attraction window |
| Best Use Case | Southern/transition zones; premium deer retention | Most regions as budget option; mixed plots or limit winter use |
Recommendation:
- In warm/mild regions, BFO may justify higher cost for increased late-season green and deer holdover.
- In cold climates or tight budgets, high-quality feed or certified forage oats mixed with winter grains and brassicas deliver near-equivalent results at lower cost.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will deer eat regular oats if I don’t use BFO?
Yes. Deer will consume feed-grade oats readily, especially when other forage is limited.
Q2. Does BFO actually stay green longer?
Marginally, in mild winters. In severe zones, the longevity advantage may be only 1–2 weeks.
Q3. How should I plant for best results?
Till or broadcast in late August/early September; use 100 lb/acre pure or mix with rye, peas, brassicas, or clover to extend stand life.
Q4. Is crop rotation necessary?
Yes. Rotating or mixing with legumes helps prevent soil nutrient depletion if planting oats annually.
4 Comments
Comments are closed.