The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) reminds farmers and landowners of the need to destroy noxious weeds.
Under the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 ragwort, thistle, dock and wild oat are defined as noxious weeds and landowners have a legal responsibility to prevent the spread of these weeds. Owners and occupiers of land are also reminded that ragwort (also called ragweed or benweed) is poisonous and may cause illness and even death to livestock.
Noxious weeds should be destroyed before they have had time to flower, seed and spread. A fact sheet giving information on the control of these weeds in grassland can be obtained from Department of Agriculture, Plant Health Inspection Branch, Room 1019, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB (Tel: 028 9052 4691) or from the DARD Website.
Care should be taken when filling and applying herbicides to ensure no chemicals enter any drain or water ways as grassland herbicides are the most commonly detected pesticides in local drinking water catchments, MCPA being of particular concern. When spraying observe buffer zones and where possible use low drift nozzles. After spraying ensure sprayers are cleaned and stored under cover to prevent rain washing any contamination on the sprayer into drains.
A Water Catchment Partnership has been formed to highlight the issue of pesticides in local water catchments and is seeking to raise awareness of the issue with local users. CAFRE will be supporting this with localised delivery of Grassland Weed Control Workshops. For details contact your local CAFRE livestock advisor.
