Nebraska Grass Seed Program
Nebraska Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever strive to make every acre count on the landscape. Wildlife are often dependent upon a variety of plants during their annual cycle for food, shelter and rearing young. Resident game birds, like pheasants and quail are no different. When designing a seed mix, Pheasants Forever wildlife biologists take into consideration the things these birds will need from January through December. These things include nutrition, nest structure and concealment, shading and loafing areas for young chicks and thermal protection during deep winter. A high diversity of plants included in a seed mix will ensure diverse, year-round benefits. In addition to pheasants and quail, we also consider habitat of other wildlife like grassland birds, mammals and important pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Custom Seed Mixes
We offer technical assistance to design a custom mixture for your habitat project. With over 200 species of grasses, legumes and wildflowers available, cost effective seed mixes are designed for maximum results. Let’s talk habitat!
High Quality Habitat
We also offer pre-made seed mixes based on reference plant communities of Nebraska; from tallgrass prairies of the east to short-grass prairies of the west. To maximize benefits for pheasants, quail, and other wildlife, plant a seed mix that follows our High Quality Habitat Standard.
Seed Mix Categories
For a seed price quote or more information contact Rebecca at 308-206-0677 or rdahlgren@pheasantsforever.org.
If you need a seed mix for a NRCS conservation plan, please contact your local Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist for assistance.
Site Preparation, Seeding, and Management
Successful habitat establishment and management is a process that begins long before putting seed on the ground. Consider plan objectives, existing field conditions, and site preparation needs. If you don’t have the right equipment, most chapters have a no-till drill available to rent. Prairie seeds are typically planted in spring or late-fall. However, the composition of the seed mix might influence the best time to plant. In some cases, post-planting management is recommended to mitigate weed competition. Have patience, because it takes time (sometimes multiple years) to establish native, perennial grasses and wildflowers.
Benefiting Soil, Water Quality, and Wildlife
Our knowledgeable team of Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists work with conservationists, like you, who want to achieve multiple positive benefits on the landscape. We develop seed mixes that are specific to the site, conservation objectives, and Nebraska NRCS practice standards. If you are participating in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or other conservation programs in Nebraska, we can help.
Signature Series Food and Cover Mixes
Looking for more ways to improve habitat? We’ve got you covered. Grain food plots provide food and shelter for game birds to enhance winter survival and body condition going into nesting season. Plant food plots near winter cover to maximize habitat use. On average, pheasants move ¼ mile or less between winter food and cover sources.
Visit the Habitat Store to browse the wide selection of Signature Series Food and Cover Mixes. Food and cover mixes ordered through your local chapter can be picked up at the Nebraska State Habitat Meeting in February.