Ragwort is one of a number of noxious weeds such as thistles, docks (included in 1937), wild oats (1973), common barberry (1958) and the male wild hop plant (1965) listed in the Noxious Weeds Act which dates back to 1936.

Responsibility for controlling ragwort in fields lies with the landowner or the manager of the lands in which the plant is present, while the National Roads Authority lists relevant local authorities as being responsible for controlling plants in areas such as road verges, landscaped areas or public amenities.

Spraying in the rosette stage is recommended as being the most effective chemical control option and the Department of Agriculture’s fact sheet points to spring and autumn presenting the best window of control.

Ploughing followed by an arable rotation or a programme of spraying if direct seeding works well, while, if pulling by hand or cutting, it is important that plants are collected and destroyed.

Steps should also be taken to improve grassland management so that it will compete aggressively with ragwort plants.

Remember, the plant is highly poisonous and toxic to cattle, horses, deer, goats, pigs and chickens, while sheep are less affected. Cattle generally do not graze the plant in its vegetative state (unless very tight on grass), but, once cut, the plant releases sugars which make it much more attractive to grazing animals. It also presents a large risk where it is contained in hay or silage, therefore control options must take this into account.

Wild bird cover

The deadline for sowing wild bird cover as part of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environmental Scheme (GLAS) is fast approaching on Sunday 31 May.

Reports suggest a high percentage of the 22,000ha devoted to the crop is already sown, but some farmers in areas where the soil moisture deficit is high held off sowing in the hope of receiving rainfall last week.

Farmers have two options – sow a one-year or two-year mix. The one-year mix must contain a cereal (oats, barley, wheat or triticale) and at least one species from the following: oilseed rape, linseed and mustard. The two-year mix must contain a cereal (oats, barley, wheat or triticale) and kale.