With the drought there will be hay brought in to feed livestock. In order not to add another issue on top of the expense for feed, do your due diligence when sourcing feed. Look to local sources when purchasing hay for your livestock as this will minimize the risk of bringing in unwanted weeds. If you can view the field where the hay is coming in from you can see what issues you will be bringing on to your farm. Use caution when purchasing cheap hay as these bales are cheap for a reason. They could be substandard feed, old bales, or contain high weed concentrations. The MD of Smoky River is relatively free from problematic weeds such as Tall buttercup which is toxic and causes lesions/blisters in the mouth and nose area of livestock. The Hawkweed complex is also one that will create monocultures and impact your forage production. but in in neighbouring municipalities. Both of these species are already in neighbouring municipalities and are frequently found in hay lands.
In dry times the sloughs are cut and baled for feed but may contain the water loving Hemlock which is highly toxic to livestock. If during the haying process of the wet areas, the bulb of the Hemlock is pulled out there is a high probability you will lose livestock. A golf ball sized bulb will kill your livestock in less than 30 minutes. Don’t bring in a problem to add to the ones you are already facing.
Any questions can be directed to the Agriculture Services Department at 780-837-0043 or asb@mdsmokyriver.com.
