The two factors which limit upland wildlife numbers on most Missouri farms are food and cover. When these are provided in close association, wildlife will benefit directly. Numbers of songbirds, quail, and rabbit will increase over a period of time, because more breeders will survive the harsh winter months. High quality food can be provided by planting small grains in properly located food plots. Adequate cover can be provided with some additional labor and planning.
Wildlife depend on native weed-seeds and fruits of shrubs for food.
When ice and snow cover these seeds during late winter, farm wildlife will then rely on this standing grain for survival. As a rule, one food plot for every forty acres of farm land would be a minimum. On farms where cultivated crops are grown, fewer food plots would be necessary if crop residue and some grain is left standing. More food plots would be required on a pasture farm where no grain is grown, however. Livestock must be excluded if the food plot is to be of any value to wildlife.