Weed Free Hay Program

Alberta Certified Weed Free Hay

The Certified Weed Free Hay program is under review and will be re-launched in 2012, with changes to the program and more momentum to encourage the program's growth into new markets.

Mountain View County has participated in the Alberta Weed Free Hay certification program since the launch in 1998. Originally, the program was intended to supply our National and Provincial Parks with hay free of invasive weeds, or their propagative parts. As the threat of invasive weeds grows, along with the awareness of the impact they can have in nature or on the farm, the appeal of Weed Free Hay grows.

Hay must be inspected a maximum of ten days before the hay is cut. Each hay field must be visually inspected by certified personnel following the standard inspection procedures. A 12-foot perimeter buffer zone must be cut and harvested separately. The 12-foot buffer should be cut prior to inspector's arrival. The County offers Weed Free Hay inspections free of charge. If you are new to the program please contact the Agricultural Department well in advance. Once hay is certified a specified coloured twine can be supplied at cost and used to identify a weed free bale along with the certificate issued by the inspector.

Once your hay is certified, it can be listed on Alberta Agriculture's Ropin' the Web hay sales under the Weed Free Hay for Sale banner to encourage greater distribution.

For more information on the program or to participate please contact the County's Agricultural Department at 403-335-3311 ext 184.

Setbacks

Please note storage of any goods or materials related to an agricultural operation - such as equipment and hay stacks - must meet the minimum 15 metre setback from any property line.