Certified Weed Free Forage Program
The use of Certified Weed Free Forage (CWFF) is one way to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. This is an especially useful tool in areas where detection and management of these species is difficult. New Mexico is moving ahead with a program to certify hay and mulch free of noxious weeds. The program will be administered through the New Mexico State University Seed Certification (NMSUSC). New Mexico Department of Agriculture will be providing support to the NMSUSC to further the department's goal of preventing the spread of noxious weeds. Additionally, this will enable New Mexico forage producers to participate in a niche market for certified weed free forage.
Certification of a forage or mulch crop is strictly voluntary. No growers will be required to have their crop certified. Interested growers will contact the NMSUSC to have their crop inspected and certified. A fact sheet on the certification process is available on this site. Regulations requiring certified hay on public lands are expected to be implemented by the USDA Forest Service and possibly by the Bureau of Land Management in the future. Regulations requiring certified mulch for construction and wildfire restoration are already in place with several agencies. New Mexico Department of Agriculture and NMSUSC will have no relation to, nor involvement in enforcement of the regulations requiring certified weed free forage. Requirements for certified weed free forage are specific to federal lands that have passed regulations and construction or restoration projects with certified weed free stipulations. This program will not affect the movement of un-certified forage into or out of New Mexico. For more information, contact:
Tracey Carrillo
Extension Plant Sciences
NMSU Seed Certification
(575) 646-4125
tcarrill@nmsu.edu
Jim Wanstall
Agriculture Specialist
New Mexico Dept. of Agriculture
Agricultural Programs & Resources Division
Phone: 505-646-2642
jwanstall@thuntek.net
Current Weed-Free Hay Growers
Frank Garay, Arrey, NM, 505-267-5263
Epifanio Romero, Llano NM 505-587-2000
Felipe Sanchez, Jarales, NM,505-250-0265
Danny Orris, Bosque, NM, 505-235-8618
These are our current growers that recently had fields inspected through the New Mexico weed-free hay program. If other growers are interested in providing weed free forage, please contact the NMSU Seed Certification office at 575-646-4125.
Another resource for buying or selling Weed Free Forage is at the New Mexico Hay Growers Association WEB site at http://nmhay.com (copy and paste link). This site will be used to also link producers with clients that require the forage.
Forms
The Certified Weed Free Forage Program Facts Sheet
Inspection Request Form
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Inspection Form
Use this form to request an inspection. Form can mailed or faxed. Fax #(575)646-8137
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List of Weeds
Weeds On the North American and New Mexico List