The Chippewa County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) offers landowners the opportunity to buy native grass seed and other cool and warm season mixes. Landowners also have the option to have seed planted by the SWCD.

Chippewa SWCD can plant warm and cool season grass plantings as well as certain wildlife food plot mixtures ranging from small seed mixes on up to large seed mixes.

Drill service includes 1 operator, tractor and drill.  The price for seeding is charged by the amount of acres planted plus mobilization fees:

• $125 flat mobilization fee within Chippewa County (add $1.00 per mile for out of County Projects)
• $25/acre planting fee ($100 minimum planting fee for 4 acres and less)If a landowner chooses to purchase seed through the SWCD, the prices will vary on seed type and quantity.

Seeding Dates:

Warm season grasses require soil temperatures of at least 50 degrees before they will germinate. This is 8 to 10 degrees warmer than the requirement for cool season grasses. Therefore, the optimal seeding time for planting warm season grasses, either alone or in combination with cool season grasses, usually occurs between mid-spring and early summer when moisture and temperature are most favorable.  May 15th to June 30th is the typical window for planting warm season grasses in this area.

Note: Late April through June is a busy time for the district.  The tree program is usually in full swing at the same time CRP and other grass plantings need to be planted.  Contacting the district early on to get on the list for planting is crucial.  Unfortunately there will be a limit to how many acres can be planted each spring by the district.

Seedbed Condition:

Note: It is the landowners’ responsibility to prepare a decent seedbed before planting.

A firm seedbed is very important when seeding native grasses.  The districts Truax seed drill needs a firm seedbed in order to turn the double disc openers properly which is crucial for seed planting depth.  A firm seedbed also helps conserve moisture and ensure good seed to soil contact which is critical for adequate germination and an overall successful planting.  IMPORTANT: Recently tilled ground should be packed with a coil or roller packer, or something equivalent prior to planting. The seedbed is considered firm enough when an adult’s footprint penetrates no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.  For example: untilled bean stubble works great for seeding with the Truax drill.

To order seed or get on the seeding list, please contact Zach or Tom at 320-269-2696.

The SWCD has custom mowing, roto-tilling and disking services available for $75 per hour.