Weed Free Forage

Nebraska Weed Free Forage Certification Program – Why does it work?

Because the demand is growing across North America for the use of “certified weed free forage and mulch” as a preventative measure in curtailing the spread of noxious and invasive weeds, Nebraska producers and forage buyers can get involved in the continent wide program. Nebraska weed control officials have joined with other states (and provinces in Canada) to formulate uniform requirements and guidelines for everyone involved with Weed Free Forage Certification –from producers to end-users. The demand is there because of people’s concern for protecting the environment, natural resources and wildlife habitat from invading non-native and noxious weeds. The WFF program also helps prevent the introduction and continual spread of noxious weeds, within our state and from/to other states. Forage that is certified as ‘Weed Free’ can move freely through interstate commerce and into areas that are restricted, such as National Forests and National Parks. Livestock producers can be assured they are not spreading unwanted noxious and invasive weeds, when they use certified Weed Free Forage in their feeding programs. Re-vegetation projects and roadside projects can reduce and prevent the spread and introduction of noxious weeds by using certified Weed Free Forage/Mulch on their projects.

What Kind of Crops Qualify for Certifying as Weed Free Forage or Mulch?

Certifiable products include wheat, oat, millet and other types of straw, grass, alfalfa, combination grass and alfalfa or other forage, grain hay, and forages to be processed in making cubes/pellet feeds.

How is Forage Certified?

Contact the weed superintendent in your county or call Marc Currie of Farm & Ranch Network Services at 800-658-3191 to make an inspection. The field where the crop is located must be inspected before it is harvested in order to qualify for certification. Certification is based on a thorough visual inspection by a qualified inspector. A “Certificate of Inspection” form is issued if the crop meets North American Weed Management Association requirements. The forage inspection and certification includes areas around the field including ditches, fence rows, roads, easements, rights-of-way or buffer zones and shelter-belts surrounding the outside edge of the crop area.

How Does A Person Know The Forage Is Certified For Buying/Selling?

After the forage/mulch crop has been inspected, the county weed control superintendent will make a “Certificate of Inspection” for the landowner/producer. When the forage or mulch is transported a “Transit Certificate” will be sent from the county weed superintendent with the transporter to its final destination.

Who Should Purchase and Promote Certified Weed Free Forage?

Producers and consumers committed to keeping private and public lands free of noxious weeds should promote and use certified Weed Free Forage. Forage buyers who transport forage products across national, state or county boundaries as well as hunters, sportsmen, and outfitters using livestock on federal, state or private lands for recreational trips such as hunting, fishing, or camping should use certified Weed Free Forage. State and Federal agencies that feed livestock and wildlife on federal, state or private lands or initiate re-vegetation projects should use certified Weed Free Forage. In addition to the added income to your operation, the weed free forage program can benefit your long-term weed control program. Locating a noxious weed early in its growth can have a big impact on how costly it may become to control that infestation.

What If Noxious Weeds Are Found in Fields and Cropland?

Forage containing regional or state designated noxious weeds may be certified if the crop has been treated to prevent seed formation of the weed no later than rosette to bud (or boot stage for perennial grasses classified as weeds). If no weed plant parts (capable of promoting the weed species) are contained in the harvesting of the crop, the field may qualify for certification. This means no seeds, root or stem capable of regenerating the weed, can be in the harvested forage or mulch.

Why Do We Need A Qualified Inspector to Check the Field?
Where Can I Find a Qualified Inspector?

There are 54 noxious and invasive weeds listed on the North American Weed Management Association Weed Free Forage Certification program’s list of “Noxious and Undesirable Plants.” Nebraska noxious weed control superintendents are trained weed identification specialists. Call Marc Currie with Farm & Ranch Network Service (800-658-3191) or you local weed superintendent for help in getting involved in the Nebraska Weed Free Forage Certification program.