RAGWORT WEED: HOW TO SPOT IT AND TACKLE IT
What is Ragwort Weed?
Ragwort is a poisonous weed that can fatally effect livestock and animal lungs if consumed in large quantities. The weed contains alkaloid which can be extremely toxic to livestock particularly in horses.
How to spot Ragwort:
You can find Ragwort on unmanaged or degraded pastures, pony/horse paddocks or where soil is heavy and fertile.
When Ragwort is in its first year of growth, it will appear as a rosette with irregular jagged edges.
Ragwort Weed Early Stage
Ragwort has a lifecycle of two years, during its two year cycle it goes through 5 stages
Ragwort Full Bloomed
Your responsibility:
The Ragwort Control Act 2003 amends the Weeds Act 1956. The act states that the occupier of land is required by law to prevent the spread of Ragwort, it is deemed their responsibility to manage the spread. The act can support landowners to bring good equilibrium between the protection of animals, livestock and the essentiality to conserve biodiversity in the countryside.
How to tackle Ragwort:
There are three ways to tackle Ragwort Weed
It is imperative to tackle Ragwort in its early stages. The methods used to tackle depend on its stage in the cycle. When there is a large area that is contaminated with Ragwort, using Herbicides is the easiest method, however it is important to note that no livestock can enter the affected area for at least 6 weeks which could be an inconvenience.
Shop Ragwort Fork Range
Ragwort is a poisonous weed that can fatally effect livestock and animal lungs if consumed in large quantities. The weed contains alkaloid which can be extremely toxic to livestock particularly in horses.
How to spot Ragwort:
You can find Ragwort on unmanaged or degraded pastures, pony/horse paddocks or where soil is heavy and fertile.
When Ragwort is in its first year of growth, it will appear as a rosette with irregular jagged edges.
Ragwort Weed Early Stage
Ragwort has a lifecycle of two years, during its two year cycle it goes through 5 stages
- Biennial
- Germinates in spring
- Rosettes in autumn
- Flowers in year 2
- Wind dispersal of seeds
Ragwort Full Bloomed
Your responsibility:
The Ragwort Control Act 2003 amends the Weeds Act 1956. The act states that the occupier of land is required by law to prevent the spread of Ragwort, it is deemed their responsibility to manage the spread. The act can support landowners to bring good equilibrium between the protection of animals, livestock and the essentiality to conserve biodiversity in the countryside.
How to tackle Ragwort:
There are three ways to tackle Ragwort Weed
- Pulling and levering
- Cutting
- Herbicide
It is imperative to tackle Ragwort in its early stages. The methods used to tackle depend on its stage in the cycle. When there is a large area that is contaminated with Ragwort, using Herbicides is the easiest method, however it is important to note that no livestock can enter the affected area for at least 6 weeks which could be an inconvenience.
Shop Ragwort Fork Range
