Producers are being reminded that those wishing to participate in Nevada’s weed-free forage program must request certification from the Department of Agriculture either by phone or in writing. Inspection request forms need to be completed prior to inspection. The inspection will be conducted no more than ten days prior to harvest. The forage crop will be inspected in the field of origin; no stack inspections will be conducted. The field inspection shall include the surrounding ditches, fencerows, roads, easements, rights of way, or buffer zones surrounding the field.

Noxious weeds are a serious problem in the western United States. Species like tall whitetop, yellow starthistle, leafy spurge and many others displace native vegetation, destroying wildlife habitat, reducing grazing capacity and impacting the economy of the agriculture community in general.

To slow the spread of noxious weeds, many western states have jointly developed noxious weed-free forage certification standards, and in cooperation with various federal, state and county agencies, passed weed management laws. The state of Nevada has a state hay inspection-certification program and participates in a regional inspection, certification and identification process. Nevada forage producers grow noxious weed free products on a voluntary basis.

Weed-seed free hay is a standard regulation for all users of BLM and National Forest public lands in Nevada. Persons impacted by the rule include recreationists using pack and saddle animals, ranchers with grazing permits, outfitters, and contractors and operators who use straw or other mulch for re-seeding or reclamation purposes.

HOARY CRESS
(Cardaria draba)

An erect branched plant approximately 2 feet high, with bluish-green appearance. Its root system is creeping and perennial. The rosette leaves are stalked, sparsely toothed; upper leaves smaller, stem clasping and stalkless. Its flowers are small, white, forming umbrella-like clusters. Fruit are an inverted heart-shaped seed pod containing 2 red-brown seeds.

Problem:

• Difficult to eradicate due to an extensive and deep root system.

• Resistance to most chemicals.

• Easily spread by cultivation.

• Not readily grazed by stock.

• Capable of tainting meat and milk of livestock.

• Capable of poisoning livestock.

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