Weed Free Mulch

Sources

• Current Growers
• Links to other state programs
• How to know if forage/mulch is certified

About

Iowa Crop Improvement Association began offering a certification program in 2006 to assure that forage and mulch is free of noxious weed seed. The program offered will comply with the Weed Free Forage Standards developed by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).

In other Midwestern states, this program has been used as an additional marketing opportunity for hay and straw producers. Potential markets Include contractors using straw for road construction erosion-control projects, customers seeking clean hay, and people needing certified hay for horses on visits to national parks.

The key steps in the ICIA program include:

• Application of fields of forage, grasses, and small grains at least 3 weeks prior to cutting.
• Inspection of the fields and storage sites within 10 days prior to cutting and harvesting to assure:
• A designated list of noxious weeds and undesirable plants near the field is not present in a manner to disseminate seed or to allow propagation of a new plant.
• Any noxious weeds or undesirable plants near the field are isolated from the field by at least 10 feet.
• Labeling the bales with certification labels.

Listed below is more information on the program. If you have questions or would like to discuss certification, please contact us.

Certification Standards

Weed List

Fee Schedule

Contact the ICIA office for application forms.

 

---