The presence of ragwort has become much more visible in recent weeks, with the plant entering its flowering stage. As ragwort is a noxious weed, farmers must take steps to control and prevent it spreading. The weed is unfortunately best controlled early in the season when it is in the rosette stage and most vulnerable to chemical control, or alternatively pulled or removed before it reaches the flowering stage and goes to seed, both periods of which have passed.

The plant is toxic to grazing animals, with poisons affecting the liver and potentially leading to liver failure where large volumes are consumed over a short period or small volumes over a long period. Cattle, horses and donkeys are most at risk but generally do not consume the plant in its growing stage due to its poor palatability. Problems occur where grass is in short supply, forcing animals to graze the growing plant or what is more frequently a bigger problem is where ragwort is mowed, improving its palatability, and consumed as toppings or in hay/silage.

At present the only real control option is pulling the plant, which is easier done after rainfall. Disposing of ragwort correctly is therefore an important consideration.

It should be destroyed by burning or disposed of through landfill. All advice on controlling and preventing ragwort also highly recommends wearing gloves to prevent contact of the plant with skin while some advice columns also recommend wearing respiratory masks when pulling the plant if in flower and seeding stage.

Cutting hedgerows

In December 2015, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys announced new legislation she was intending to introduce concerning hedge cutting and burning of vegetation. The legislation pointed to hedge cutting being allowed during August, with many farmers asking in recent weeks if hedge cutting is now allowed. The changes are being introduced on a pilot scheme basis and farmers should note that hedge cutting during August is only allowed under strict criteria concerning overgrown hedges and their impact on roads. This means that for most, the hedge cutting season does not open until 31 August.