Dot Ignore Government Directive

[Frances]

Ragwort = cushag and is the national flower of the Isle of Man!

unfortuneately this joke (and implied criticism of farmers) by Lord Raglan got translated into a popular endorsement - I think he said when asked about a national flower that "you might as well make it the Cushag as there is enough of it about" (not exact words but somewhere there is report of the conversation)

[Nkon]

"When cut or wilted (during hay or haylage making) ragwort loses its bitter taste and becomes more palatable to horses."

 

The advice from most sources suggest that "Prevention is the best option".

 

From the link it suggests "Hay from fields with Ragwort should not be fed to stock or horses. Where confidence is lacking, it is possible toss and shake through the hay to remove worrying material (it would seem that missing the occasional shoot should not be too critical)."

 

I thought the letter from the vet was interesting....

 

"-Ragwort in hay is normally rejected by horses, and is easily removed by the groom or owner, - The main problem could arise with silage incorporating Ragwort.

 

- He suggests that, in view of the high number horse deaths attributed to liver damage by Ragwort poisoning, it is time to look for other possible toxins. Pesticides added to grain to control weevils and mites is one possibility."

 

 

"Just as horse owners have sought understanding of their genuine concerns, so to their understanding is sought of the biodiversity at stake. There ought to a compatibility of objectives if the need for Ragwort control is not over-played, and for that matter if the quantity of Ragwort for conservation needs is not over-stated. The objective is to ensure that in any district there is a place for both horses and the special wildlife of Ragwort." A balanced and sensible approach? That's a pretty rare thing these days.

 

Again I have to agree with your post. A balanced view on the problem needs to be taken but until more scientific evidence is available and a management policy developed which allows Cushag to be managed in a way, that provides a low risk environment for livestock then the best policy at the moment is to restrict its spread. (If that policy is to allow Cushag to flower anywhere then I for one would be happy to accept as it means I can get on with other important work to help in the conservation our countryside)

 

I doubt that that providing some limit on the spread of this plant will result in its extinction. There is no scientific evidence that it should be allowed to spread unchecked. In my view the policy that we have at the moment is a sensible one and does have a postive effect on reducing the amount of Cushag found in fields where it is removed each year.

 

If we adopted a policy of doing nothing and allowing the uncontrolled spread of this plant, then what would be the effect? I am sure most vets would err on the side of safety and suggest that the current policy is the correct one.

 

Bit like Badger culling and bovine TB. Who is right and who is wrong? Will the experts ever agree?