Noxious weeds have a destructive impact on Montana's landscape, displacing native plant species, increasing soil erosion, and decreasing wildlife habitat as well as compromising recreational values.

Preventing the spread of noxious weeds into our pristine back country is vital. Certified noxious weed seed free forage is required when horses or pack animals are used on public land in Montana. Government agencies and public utilities also are required to use weed free mulches, bedding materials and erosion control barriers in their work.

The purpose of the Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage (NWSFF) program is to provide products such as hay, cubes, pellets, grain concentrates and straw that are free of noxious weed seeds. In addition to the law requiring NWSFF on public lands, voluntary use of weed-free products on private land also is encouraged.

Forage products may be certified as free of Montana-designated noxious weed seeds or can be certified as free of regional noxious weeds. The North American Weed Management Association forage program involves a number of western states and one Canadian province. Regional certification allows the transport of forage products across county, state, and national boundaries where noxious weed restrictions are in effect.

The Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage certification program helps producers bring a value-added product to their operations and reduce the spread of noxious weeds.