From Plot to Plate

“We had deer, squirrels, raccoons, wild boar, otters, rabbits, a whole variety of different birds,” Tate Sisk, fifth grader from Johnson County, lists the diversity of wildlife spotted in his food plot this past year.

In June, Tate was awarded first place in the junior division of the state 4-H Food Plot Project. Arkansas 4-H describes the project as, “a self-study independent activity in which youth learn to prepare, establish, maintain, and observe a food plot using provided seed for the purpose of providing food and cover for wildlife.”

Tate recently turned 11 but has already been a 4-H member for 6 years. He has participated in a variety of different activities, but when he heard about the 4-H Food Plot Project, his interest was piqued.

“I was at the 4-H District O’Rama and I heard about it there. We looked it up and thought it was something I would really be interested in.”

Josh, Tate’s dad, has been a lifelong hunter and Ali, Tate’s mom, took an interest in the outdoors when they began dating. Around the age of 18 or 19, Josh began leasing property for hunting and started food plots of his own.

Josh and Ali passed their love of the outdoors and wildlife to Tate. Through the 4-H Food Plot Project, he was able to combine his love of nature with his 4-H involvement.

Tate’s project kicked off last year after selecting the perfect spot. “I chose the location because it is up on a hill and has a lot of sunlight. It’s also a main area that deer travel through.”

After picking the perfect plot location, Tate got some assistance in marking off the perimeter from Caitlin Mann, county forester at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division.

Once the plot is mapped, it’s time for soil testing, plowing, adding any necessary soil amendments, plowing again, seeding, fertilizing, and more plowing. The final ingredient for a successful food plot is patience.

“It might look bad at first when all the plants are short, but eventually you may get some giant turnips,” Tate jokes, referencing the monster root vegetables his plot provided this past year.

Tate has an enthusiasm for this project that he wants to share with others. When asked why 4-H’ers should get involved with the food plot project, he said, “It really gets you into the outdoors and you get to see all of the wildlife that comes in.”

Tate’s witnessed many successes in his project, but it wasn’t without its challenges. “On the edges, the trees block the sunlight and there wasn’t much plant growth. The wild boars also did some damage, but not too bad.”

While Tate took the lead on planting and maintaining his food plot, he has a list of individuals who helped him along the way. First, County Forester Caitlin Mann for her help marking the plot. He also thanked Jeanie Rowbotham, Johnson County 4-H agent, for her help in the application process.

Tate would like to thank Jesse Taylor, Johnson County agricultural extension agent and staff chair, for his role in the success of the food plot.

“Mr. Taylor really helped me because if it wasn’t for the soil sample before planting, we wouldn’t have known to add lime, and my plot wouldn’t have been as successful.”

Tate also recognizes the vital role his parents played in his food plot project. He thanks his mom and dad for their help with the plowing, planting, maintenance, and support.

Josh Sisk also wants to extend his gratitude to Eagle Seed for their sponsorship of the food plot program.

Ali and Josh have seen Tate’s skills and confidence grow since he started his food plot project. “It has taught him to be confident in himself and not afraid to share his knowledge,” Ali says. “Part of the criteria for this project was sharing a video about his plot with his club, a group, or on social media.”

With his permission, Ali shared Tate’s video to her Facebook where it received over 120 reactions and nearly 40 encouraging comments from friends and family.

“This project has taught him a lot of life skills like documentation and that you can have success in more ways than one. He won an award, but he also put meat in the freezer thanks to the deer he harvested on his food plot,” Ali said.

Beyond the food plot project, Ali and Josh praise 4-H for the opportunities and skills it provides Tate. “I’ve told Josh several times, the things Tate has done so far in his years of life way surpass what I would have attempted as a kid.”

If a child you love is interested in this project or other programs offered through 4-H, you can learn more at https://4h.uada.edu/.