WEED-FREE FORAGE CERTIFICATION Jeanetta Cooper Plant Protection/Weed Free Certification Programs Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

Weed Free Forage ODAFF received the Legislative directive in the fall of Rules written and approved by Board of Agriculture in March Signed by governor July 1, Published July 15, Effective 10 days after publication.

Why is there a demand for WFF? Federal lands such as Forest Service, National Parks, Bureau of Land Management and other government agencies are requiring certified hay and mulch. Departments of Transportation in many states requires certified mulch. Public awareness has increased regarding invasive weeds.

WFF Program Voluntary program. Provides a uniform set of minimum requirements for hay and mulch. Provides access to new markets. Reduces the spread of noxious weeds. Provides continuity between states: Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, and Alberta Canada.

What can be certified? Straw Alfalfa Native grasses Forage grasses Anything that is not on a weed list!

What can’t be certified? Propagative stages of weeds are PROHIBITED and includes bud, flowering, seed stage, or senescence. There are 54 species on the North American Weed Free Forage List: The list is comprised of several states’ lists.

Prohibited weeds Jointed goat grassBuffalo bur Puncture vineField bindweed Poison hemlockSericea lespedeza Musk thistleJohnson grass Toothed spurgeSulfur cinquefoil St. JohnswortHorse nettle Bull thistleMarijuana Bermuda grass

Steps for certification 1. Submit application at least 10 days before harvest. 2. Field inspection is scheduled. 3. Field is inspected (client is welcome to accompany the inspector). 4. Findings are reported and field is approved for certification or remediation. 5. Harvest after approval. 6. Transit certificate(s) issued.

1.Submit Application Field(s) location and directions Acres (estimate) Crop Bale size Destination (if known) $25.00 application fee

Application can be mailed, faxed, or ed to office.

Field standards Minimum of 2 entry points per field. Entire border is walked or driven. Travel through the field being inspected shall be uninterrupted. Storage area shall be inspected and must meet the standards.

2.Inspection guidelines Field shall be inspected within 10 days prior to harvest. The entire field border will be walked or driven. Inspector notes the growth stages of any prohibited weeds in the field for future use in case field has to be re-inspected. Inspector flags the presence of any weeds in the prohibited stages and designates on inspection map. Inspector notes on map any draws, ditches, trees, water or other topographical features.

3.Inspection procedure Client is provided with a map showing the results of the inspection. Parts of a field may not be certified if listed weeds are present and at a stage of growth where seed could be produced before harvest. Producer has opportunity to remediate weed infestation and request re-inspection.

4. Inspection report

5.Harvest after approval. Field is harvested after approval If remediation is an option, re-inspection can be scheduled.

6. Transit or shipping certificates After harvest, client reports number and size of bales from each field. Client requests the Transit Certificate. Original Transit Certificate must accompany each shipment.

Procedure To certify or not to certify – What does your buyer want? Know your market ODAFF only certifies Weed Free status and does not sell or broker hay and forage Producer has option to be listed as WFF on ODAFF’s hay directory Helpful websites:

Who Should Promote or Buy Certified Forage? Producers and consumers. Forage buyers and hay brokers. Outdoor recreationists, hunters, outfitters, and sportsmen. Federal and State Agencies such as highway departments, reclamation and restoration projects. Private construction companies.

2012 Certification 2,253 total acres 180 acres oat hay 344 acres mixed prairie grass hay 1,729 acres wheat straw Caddo, Canadian, Kay, Major, McClain, and Texas counties. Oat hay was certified for transport to New Mexico Forestry Department for winter forage.

2013 Certification 4,136 total acres 40 acres oat hay 21 acres mixed prairie grass hay Custer, Kay, Major, and Noble counties.

Certification Benefits Producers have a quality product to market. Producers are more aware of management education. Buyers obtain a marketable and transportable product. States become involved in weed management and clean forage practices. Opportunity to move forage freely in restricted areas.

CONTACT: Jeanetta Cooper Plant Protection/Certification Programs PO Box Oklahoma City OK office – fax – mobile