RutlandH2O
Well-Known Member
I was studying several websites looking for the appropriate chemical spray to kill/control creeping buttercup. On one site, I happened to see a reference to ragwort. I don't have a problem with the weed, but I like to keep up-to-date on any information regarding its eradication. There was a note at the end of this particular entry which I quote: "It is important that all livestock are kept out of treated areas for at least two weeks following treatment and until the ragwort has died and become unpalatable." I must have re-read that sentence a dozen times, because I knew it was wrong. I rang the company and spoke to someone on their helpline. I told him that ragwort is unpalatable in the green, but becomes palatable when it dies, retaining its toxicity. The gentleman insisted that in order for the weed to be poisonous it has to retain plant juices. I explained that brown, dried ragwort in hay is one of the most dangerous, cumulative toxins known to livestock. I mentioned the work of a very prominent, world famous scientist in Liverpool, whose work on ragwort poisoning is the gold standard on the subject, and who would corroborate my assertions. After chatting for a few more minutes, the gentleman said his company has never had a problem in 50 years. He suggested I contact the scientist regarding this subject. He said he would be happy to discuss the matter with him. I told him I would do just that.
As soon as I got off the phone, I rang Liverpool (I'm purposely not mentioning any names) and spoke to a secretary. She suggested that I send her an email detailing my conversation with the helpline person at the agrochemical company. I immediately sent her details of my conversation with the gentleman concerned and the sentence I quoted above which appears on the chemical container.
At 10:30 this morning, I received a telephone call. It was the renown scientist saying he had read the company's website and incorrect information. He said he had just spent an hour on the phone with the helpline man and, as a result of their conversation, the labelling on the chemical container was being changed regarding the company's assertion that ragwort is unpalatable when it is dead. He thanked me for drawing his attention to this matter. Needless to say, I was gobsmacked to received that personal call.
This evening, as I continued my search for an appropriate chemical to eradicate creeping buttercup, I found another chemical, from a different company, using the identical quote regarding ragwort's 'unpalatability' when dead. I have just sent them an email asking them to change that information and why. Interestingly, this same company has another herbicide, which acts against ragwort, and the instructions on that container state that all sprayed ragwort MUST be removed from the sward because when dead it becomes more palatable, yet retains its very toxic properties.
Please, everyone, when using chemicals to eliminate noxious weeds from your fields, check the copy on the containers for seriously incorrect information to the consumer and alert the manufacturer.
As soon as I got off the phone, I rang Liverpool (I'm purposely not mentioning any names) and spoke to a secretary. She suggested that I send her an email detailing my conversation with the helpline person at the agrochemical company. I immediately sent her details of my conversation with the gentleman concerned and the sentence I quoted above which appears on the chemical container.
At 10:30 this morning, I received a telephone call. It was the renown scientist saying he had read the company's website and incorrect information. He said he had just spent an hour on the phone with the helpline man and, as a result of their conversation, the labelling on the chemical container was being changed regarding the company's assertion that ragwort is unpalatable when it is dead. He thanked me for drawing his attention to this matter. Needless to say, I was gobsmacked to received that personal call.
This evening, as I continued my search for an appropriate chemical to eradicate creeping buttercup, I found another chemical, from a different company, using the identical quote regarding ragwort's 'unpalatability' when dead. I have just sent them an email asking them to change that information and why. Interestingly, this same company has another herbicide, which acts against ragwort, and the instructions on that container state that all sprayed ragwort MUST be removed from the sward because when dead it becomes more palatable, yet retains its very toxic properties.
Please, everyone, when using chemicals to eliminate noxious weeds from your fields, check the copy on the containers for seriously incorrect information to the consumer and alert the manufacturer.
