| I am frequently asked about these Caterpillars which invade Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) in large numbers and are highly visible. Ragwort is hugely popular with a couple of hundred insects (and by extension therefore me). It is also said to be highly poisonous to livestock. Speaking to one farmer on the Limestone Plateau I was informed that her dairy cows will not touch Ragwort and generally they do not live long enough anyway. They could not consume Ragwort in sufficient quantity anyway. The risk is Ragwort harvested with dried silage. I have noted Landowners removing Ragwort before renting out fields. Defra have views on this subject: July 13th. |
