Selling hay normally is associated with dairy cows, beef cows, feedlots or horses. Hay also is used to feed wildlife in national parks and as mulch along many roadsides or other disturbed soils.
However, selling hay for use in parks or on roadsides can be a challenge, especially if hay needs to cross state lines. That’s because many state and federal agencies will refuse to buy hay unless they can be guaranteed that the hay does not contain any noxious weeds.
To prevent the spread of noxious weeds via hay, the North American Weed Free Forage Program has been established. This program has been adopted by most state departments of agriculture and is implemented in Nebraska by a county Weed Control Authority.
To participate, forage must be inspected in the field prior to cutting for noxious weeds or other designated weeds. If any are found, the hay still might be able to be certified if prescribed treatments are followed; these treatments will vary depending on the type of weed. Then, if the hay passes, an inspection certificate verifies results.
When shipping across state lines, a transit certificate or certification marking must accompany the hay to avoid rejection. Contact a local county Weed Control Authority for more details.
Certifying hay as weed free can offer other markets for hay, but act before cutting or it will be too late.
Dave Varner is an Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office in Dodge County. Dave may be contacted at 727-2775, 1206 West 23rd Street in Fremont, or at dvarner1@unl.edu
