In western states there is a real exotic weed
problem. Some folk think that the weed seeds go through the horse and then
grow in the manure. This is probably not true, but is actually
irrelevant. Hay with weed seeds that is scattered around camping areas
does promote weeds.
As a result, the various states and regions, have
set up standards to certify "weed free forage". This is required by
public land managers. Most pellets available in the west say that they are
weed free on the label. Either the field was inspected, or the pelleting
process heated things hot enough to kill weed seeds.
Hay can be certified. My hay is. Some
states or areas use tags. Montana and I think most areas now, use special
twine. One string on each bale is blue and orange not the usual
orange. In addition the producer has a certification and will supply a
ticket confirming the hay, and the serial number of the original
certificate. Right now my hay has only been certified for MT, I hope to
get it regionally certified next year. As a practical matter when the
rangers look at your hay, if it has the special twine, they normally will not
ask any more questions. The tags had the problem that it was quite easy to
save them and claim they were for the hay you had. They were also a royal
pain to put on each bale.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
