Record high prices for hay have prompted warnings from the state government to farmers to be on the alert for scams and fraud.

The demand for biofuel is behind the spiraling prices. With corn in high demand, more farmers are planting it instead of hay. At the same time, drought has reduced the green grass available to feed animals, thus raising demand for hay. As winter set in, prices soared over $200 a ton around Washington.

With prices this high, fraud becomes a problem. Be on the lookout for bogus checks, substandard hay getting sold as premium ? even dealers selling hay that doesn't exist. Buyers and sellers should only deal with those who have the mandatory state licenses and bonds.