3 years ago, we quit bush hogging until June and we also started leaving a bunch of thick stuff around the edges of our fields and roads. I think it has had a huge impact.
With this you created great nesting cover and quit mowing over nests and broods.
The other thing we have done the last three years is break up about half of every field in early March. I've bought in to the whole "diversity of habitat" idea. With the cutting of the fields, they can scratch around for worms, grubs, etc. and walk to the other side of the field and be in knee high grass with grasshoppers and whatever else. I'ts good stuff
Without knowing it you created the best brood habitat you could. Dished fields that grow back in ragweed.
Best combo you can get. Populations are driven by successful nests and broods and places to nest and broods to find bugs
