Food Plot Budgeting Tool

This week, we would like to highlight an innovative budgeting tool developed by Dr. Eric A. DeVuyst and Dr. Courtney Bir at Oklahoma State University. This tool is specifically designed for individuals engaged in the cultivation of food plots, offering a comprehensive approach to managing input costs and time investments.



The budgeting tool allows users to account for all expenses associated with food plot production, including seed, fertilizer, lime, chemicals, and equipment costs per acre. The significance of this tool can be illustrated through two examples.

In the first scenario, a landowner wishes to establish a food plot but is constrained by a limited budget. Utilizing this tool, the landowner can accurately determine the necessary inputs required for a successful food plot while assessing the associated costs within their budgetary constraints.

The second example involves a land developer who has acquired a property for renovation, aiming to convert it into a hunting property for future sale. While the developer understands the market value of the property, accurately accounting for the capital invested through various inputs and time can be challenging. By employing this budgeting tool, the developer can systematically track production costs, facilitating a precise calculation of the markup needed to reflect both the enhanced market value and the investments made.

Figure 1. OSU Wildlife Food Plot Budgeting Tool

Oklahoma State University's Wildlife Food Plot Budgeting Tool provides a valuable economic perspective on wildlife conservation and stewardship. It empowers land managers and outdoor enthusiasts to meticulously account for the costs associated with each acre of production. While these individuals may not be harvesting traditional crops, they are cultivating a unique product derived from the land.



For those unfamiliar with the dynamics of recreational hunting, the return on investment (ROI) for these growers is often characterized by emotional value, encompassing the memories and trophies gained through their efforts to enhance local habitats. This tool not only aids in financial planning but also supports the creation of rewarding hunting experiences, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of wildlife resources.

Links for User Guide and Budget Tool:

1. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/a-practical-guide-to-food-plots-in-the-southern-great-plains.html
2. https://apps.dasnr.okstate.edu/SSSL/54/80/storage/files/ag-economics/9729-Spreadsheet-20735-1-6-20240219.xlsm/at_download/file

*SOURCE: Peanut Prices, Runner-type, USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, September 26,2024.

Mississippi River Level at Memphis, TN

(as of September 26, 2024)

SOURCE: NOAA National Water Prediction Service

NOAA 7-Day Weather Forecast

(as of 9/26/2024)

SOURCE: NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center