The drought is suppressing hay yields, forcing many
cattle raisers to buy out-of-state forage for their livestock. However, along with the
hay comes the risk of spreading invasive weds not common in T
exas.
"Our concerns with a year like this, if there is more hay coming in from other areas that there is a potential, maybe, for some new weeds to be brought in," Wayne Keeling, Texas AgriLife Research Weed Scientist, said.
Keeling said producers should keep their eyes open for any unfamiliar plants in their forage.
"People who are bringing in hay next year, be on the look out for any new, strange looking plants."
Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas AgriLife Extension Agronomist, said it's a challenge for producers to know exactly what they're getting.
"It's difficult for me to imagine how difficult it is for someone to buy hay from Nebraska or Kansas or wherever it might be, and fully understand what quality of hay their getting," Dr. Trostle said.
Dr. Trostle said there is something producers can do to avoid problems.
"If you go through a hay broker where you have an intermediary, yes, you might pay a little bit more, but you have a hay broker, and in some states I think their even bonded, that probably gives the buyer a little bit of assurance in terms of what they may be dealing with. It gives them a little more confidence that there will be fewer surprises," Dr. Trostle said.
Weedy material in hay can diminish the feed ability of forage to livestock, so Keeling urges producers to take proper action if they notice unfamiliar weeds in their imported hay.
"If you do see something, deal with it in an appropriate way with an appropriate herbicide," Keeling said.
Something positive to keep in mind is that out-of-state weeds often can't survive in our arid climate.
"I think in terms of something that would come in and just take over the area, the chances of that happening are pretty limited," Keeling said.
Keeling said he doesn't think purchaisng out-of-state hay is something producers should be paranoid about, but rather something that should simply prmpt cuation and awareness.
