HELENA, Mont. - The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) issued guidance for out-of-county or state hay shipments to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive pests as agricultural producers strive to find adequate feed for livestock during drought conditions and a damaging wildfire season. âThe need for hay far outweighs our supply right now in Montana,â Acting Director Christy Clark said. âWe recognize the need to find hay for our producers, but there can be some very serious consequences if we donât do our due diligence in making sure that hay donations and shipments from other states arenât bringing weeds and insects that are not currently present in Montana with them.â