For those considering wrapping up bits of grass that have gone to seed it is worth noting that poisonous ergot can be a serious threat.

Ergot is a very poisonous fungus that grows from the ovary in the heads of a range of grass species, including cereals and grazing grasses.

This appears to be an even bigger problem this year where grass plants were allowed to go to seed some weeks ago. Tim O’Donovan of Teagasc told the Irish Farmers Journal he recently found significant amounts of ergot on seed heads on perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot.

The most risky pastures might be where grass was left in corners etc following silage or in old rough paddocks close to yards. Strong seeded grass should be checked for ergot, which appears as dark oversized bodies which displace the seed in florets.

Where significant ergot is present, it should not be consumed by animals as it is highly poisonous. While such old grass may not be palatable in pasture, it could be deadly if a lot of it was put into a bale for winter feeding. The risk is greatest where ergot can be found throughout the pasture, rather than just in one area. So, if you find any, perhaps it is advisable to get a second opinion.

If you are thinking of conserving old grass now, inspect it thoroughly before deciding to cut. If ergot is present, keep animals off the pasture. It is then best to top the pasture and allow the old grass to rot beneath the sward regrowth before allowing animals back in.