Ragwort

[poiuytrewq]

Ive really struggled with ragwort the past few years. Previously I may have found, pulled and thought nothing more of the odd bit but it’s crazy now.
I know it’s partly my fault as the ground here is rock hard, even in winter at it’s wettest you never sink in the muddy gateways. Too hard to ride, so when I pull it there’s just no way possible to get all the root which I believe means it just grows back.
So after heavy rain last night I borrowed a rag fork and just removed loads of little plants. I’ve probably not got it all still but the handle on the fork was broken so I’ve literally used it to loosed the soil so I can pull it up.
Do they work ok dry hard ground? Bearing in mind I can’t even put electric posts in over summer.
I’ll go buy a decent one now if so but I just can’t see me being able to use it.
Otherwise spray recommendations and how long off the field is needed?
*yes I’m a farmer and more significantly qualified sprayer operators wife, yes I’ve asked him to help repeatedly ?‍?‍
He’s going to get some stuff, I’m on year 3 or 4 of waiting hence asking here!

 

[ponynutz]

We use Thrust selective weedkiller and do it when the horses aren't going back on that section for the rest of the year. Not sure how long is the actual time to leave it but that's how we do it. Otherwise we get the hose out to try and loosen the soil and pull any big bits out with a fork.

 

[poiuytrewq]

We use Thrust selective weedkiller and do it when the horses aren't going back on that section for the rest of the year. Not sure how long is the actual time to leave it but that's how we do it. Otherwise we get the hose out to try and loosen the soil and pull any big bits out with a fork.

I have to chop and change fields regularly due to farm work, access to a grain store etc so can’t ever leave one more than a few weeks, maybe month.
I’ll have a look at Thrust though thank you! I can probably find out what’s the minimum time.
No mains water in the fields so can’t really do that and too much to carry buckets over.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Had a v brief look at that. Before purchase it asks if you hold the relevant qualifications to use it. Do they check? Do you?
Isn’t it expensive! ?

 

[milliepops]

I used Barrier H ragwort killer with success, best on the rosette stage rather than when it's already got away from you. i bought a 5l container and an applicator gun and wandered round the paddock dosing each one. you do need to keep the horses off it as it dies/rots though, same with any spray as it's still poisonous when dead.

 

[twiggy2]

If you spray and wait for the leaves to die back you can then remove what sits above ground and the root will still be killed and the horses safe

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Buy it in your husband's name. If I buy Grazon I just give my sister's details, she is qualified to use it.

 

[Polos Mum]

Seed lasts in the ground for 25 years so be prepared to spray regularly to get rid. A Rag fork will not solve your issue sadly as it'll still leave tiny bits of root and seeds will come through

Most chemicals are horse safe after 2 weeks (it says on the bottle) but the rag is more palatable dead so issue is not the chemical but the dead plants. It can be months for the leaves to disappear and field to be horse safe.

For a professional spraying set up a mixture of agritox and depitox works well on ragwort (we used to live next to a dis-used railway line so had a massive issue to deal with each year).

 

[ponynutz]

Had a v brief look at that. Before purchase it asks if you hold the relevant qualifications to use it. Do they check? Do you?
Isn’t it expensive! ?

I'm sorry I'm honestly not sure, it's my dad who buys it so I can't comment on what qualifications he does or does not hold. I would say it's more likely than not that he doesn't hold the qualifications and also I have used it (not bought it but used it) and I certainly don't have the qualifications. We bought a container and an applicator gun to use it.

Yes, it is expensive but it's the only one we've had significant success with as the ragwort in our field always comes back with a vengeance. One container lasts us about 2 summers so price could be worth it if you don't have success with others' suggestions.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'm sorry I'm honestly not sure, it's my dad who buys it so I can't comment on what qualifications he does or does not hold. I would say it's more likely than not that he doesn't hold the qualifications and also I have used it (not bought it but used it) and I certainly don't have the qualifications. We bought a container and an applicator gun to use it.

Yes, it is expensive but it's the only one we've had significant success with as the ragwort in our field always comes back with a vengeance. One container lasts us about 2 summers so price could be worth it if you don't have success with others' suggestions.

Thanks! That’s perfect info.
I imagine all proper weed killers are pretty expensive I’ve just never had to buy them before!

 

[Highmileagecob]

I have DIY livery on a yard that will not spray. The DIY is total - we do everything, and have dug ragwort for donkey's years. Last year, we had issues getting enough volunteers to blitz the pasture, and so we went round with wheelbarrows and removed every flowering stalk before seeding. Amazingly, this year we have far less coming through.
I have been on the yard around twenty years so maybe we are starting to make a dent in the new growth!
I did read somewhere that it takes a couple of seasons for a plant to flower, but it dies after flowering.