This guy sounds like a person I can get along with. Babe Winkelman has partnered up with Pioneer Hi-Bred to provide more forage for Minnesota’s wildlife.
“We’re planting seeds for all types of wildlife – deer, turkey, pheasants, ducks, geese, bear,” says Babe Winkelman, host of “Good Fishing” and “Outdoor Secrets.” “It’s far beyond a small plot that offers food to a few animals in the wilderness.”
The “plot” on Winkelman’s 262-acre ranch in Perham, Minn., comprises approximately 60 acres of fields and 55 acres of native prairie grasses plus the woods of his property. Winkelman has maintained this forage refuge for five years, with 2007 being the first year Pioneer has participated in the project. The company has provided Winkelman with Pioneer brand soybean and corn hybrids with the Roundup Ready gene, grain and forage sorghum, alfalfa and sunflowers. The progress of this plot also will be featured on upcoming episodes of “Outdoor Secrets.”
“There aren’t a lot of crops grown especially for wildlife,” explains Winkelman. “A lot of us who want to be immersed in wildlife choose to plant these plots ourselves.” “We’re happy to help Babe provide food to more species by expanding the number of crops grown in his plot,” says Marty Lovrien, Pioneer account manager for central Minnesota. “He recognizes the importance of a high-quality forage refuge, and we want to assist by providing seed with the highest yield potential.” In addition to high-quality seeds, Winkelman also understands other steps needed to assure a quality refuge spot for wildlife in his area.