Reports indicate that the majority of farmers have fulfilled their obligation in planting wild bird cover crops before the 31 May 2022 deadline under the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS).

Most crops planted this year were the one-year mix containing a cereal (oats, barley, wheat or triticale) and at least one species from the following: oilseed rape, linseed and mustard.

Two-year mixes which comprise of a cereal and kale were less desirable due to the fact that the GLAS scheme is due to end on 31 December 2022 in advance of the introduction of the Agriculture and Environment Climate Measure in 2023.

Controlling ragwort

The best time to control the noxious weed ragwort is before the plant grows to a mature stage and, importantly, before it goes to seed.

Where ragwort was present in an area in the previous year and management practices have remained the same, then it is almost certain that issues will reemerge this year.

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 windows of control.

Destroyed

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. Grazing with sheep will also help suppress its growth.

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.