NWTF Seed Programs

Seed Subsidy

The NWTF subsidy program allows members to purchase seed and sometimes other products at a reduced cost for habitat plantings. This program is only available to NWTF members, and products are cost shared by the NWTF state chapters that choose to enroll and offer the program.

Most participating states offer a variety of seed options at about half the retail cost. All seed offered through the subsidy program is certified fresh and will be delivered directly to the member’s door.

In spring 2024, the following 15 states offered the subsidy opportunity for members:

AL, AR, CT, FL, IL, KY, LA, MA, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, VA

This is not a reflection of states that will offer the program in 2025.

Conservation Seed

The NWTF Conservation Seed Program differs from the NWTF Seed Subsidy Program and helps seed companies distribute outdated commercial seed that can only be used for conservation purposes. The companies dispose of the surplus, treated seeds they can no longer sell by providing it to the NWTF through a seed broker. The NWTF is then responsible for pick up, storage and transportation of the seed to NWTF chapters. NWTF chapters provide this seed at a nominal cost to NWTF members for wildlife conservation and land management. 

State or local chapter leaders decide whether to participate, and there are a limited number of chapters that offer the program to members in their respective areas.   

Seed can only be distributed to chapters in large quantities, such as half or full semi-truck loads. Chapters are charged a per bag fee that includes shipping and handling.  While chapters cannot sell the seed to make a profit or use it as a fundraiser, they may recoup shipping and handling expenses or any additional storage fees that may apply. 

There are strict guidelines for how a chapter uses the seed they receive through the NWTF Conservation Seed Program. All individuals receiving seed must be an NWTF member, plant the seed for wildlife only (not for feeding livestock) and sign a stewardship agreement showing the understanding of the stipulations.  The intent is for this program to provide a less expensive route for members to purchase up to a few bags of seed out of the bags delivered by the pallet to a chapter.  The seed may be the cheapest portion of the wildlife food plot planting operation. 

Chapters obtaining this seed for distribution acknowledge the seed is outdated.  NWTF does not in any way guarantee a germination rate.  We receive seed through a broker.  Therefore, we do not control the specifics of the seed that we distribute to chapters.  The types of treatments and the germination test dates vary from pallet to pallet and sometimes vary within a single pallet.  

All corn seed distributed in 2025 has been received and stored in a climate-controlled facility as of February 2024 or later. However, that does not reflect the germination test dates of the seed. It is the responsibility of the chapter to ensure end-users are NWTF members and understand the parameters. Local and state chapters should work with their regional director or district biologist to determine how the conservation seed can further their conservation programs. Chapters need to ensure they can distribute all of the seed they request in the manner intended. Once the seed is ordered and pallets are shipped, the chapter is responsible for distribution, storage and payment to NWTF.  

Find a chapter in your area to obtain contact information for the regional director or district biologist in your area.