A Behind the Scenes Look at Ladino Seed Production

While winter still has a firm hold on much of North America, many of us are already counting down the weeks until warmer days return. But halfway around the world, the seasons tell a different story. In the southern hemisphere, where summer runs from December through February, seed production is already in full swing, and the fields are buzzing with activity.

For Whitetail Institute, this time of year marks a critical phase in producing the high-quality ladino clover seed that goes into our industry-leading blends. Recent updates from our New Zealand growers show exceptionally strong progress in both WT 177 and WT 171 ladino crops. Flowering is abundant, bee activity is high, and the plants are developing exactly as they should. The forage is staying lean rather than overly bulky, which is ideal for seed production. And if the dry weather holds, harvest volumes are on track to meet expectations.

These aren’t just any ladino varieties—they’re WT 177 and WT 171, proprietary forages developed exclusively by Whitetail Institute. They’re grown by expert producers in the southern hemisphere specifically for seed production, ensuring consistent quality and performance year after year.

This level of precision and care is the result of more than three decades of research and innovation. Whitetail Institute remains the only seed company dedicated solely to developing forages tailored for whitetail deer. That commitment shows up in every bag of Imperial Whitetail Clover, Fusion, Alfa Rack, and other mixes in the assortment.

So when you open a bag of Whitetail Institute seed, you’re not just planting a food plot—you’re planting the result of global coordination, rigorous research, and a legacy of leadership that started the food plot revolution. It’s why serious hunters and habitat managers continue to trust Whitetail Institute to deliver the very best for their deer and their land.

As winter slowly loosens its grip here at home, the next generation of premium forage seed is already taking shape under the southern sun—ensuring you’ll have everything you need for a successful planting season ahead.