It is NOT just California, but also Missouri. When it is standing in the field, it is called grass. I am going to "cut my grass to make hay". Not "I'm going to cut my hay to make hay". A hay field is called that, but the green stuff growing is called grass until it is actually cut....
Even Webster says "Definition of hay
1
: herbage and especially grass mowed and cured for fodder"
Note the MOWED AND CURED
I do not think Ron was trying to prove he is right, just that there are differences in regions as to how it is labeled. My teacher background does not allow me to ignore the error in his speech, but forces me to correct him everytime he uses it incorrectly! I am sure it gets irritating! Hay and cutting grass consumes most topics the last few days... since it is that time around here.
I am the one that wanted to start this thread, and begin with a voting thing on it to see what the consensus was. I was just busy teaching classes today and could not get on here to beat him to the punch, so to speak. I have a life off the farm...