s e v e n i s a j o u r n e y

So, we have weeds. Not a surprise considering how the pastures have been ignored for a decade (low fertility acidic soils). Most of the problems arise from Thistles, Foxglove and Ragwort. The thistles are a pain (literally), but not a real hazard. The foxglove is pretty and poisonous, but the stock don’t eat it. The ragwort is coming up in job-lots, and needs to go. The bitter taste prevents stock from eating it when fresh (unless they are really hungry), but when wilted it becomes sweet and the stock go after it. Ragwort is full of copper, which will eventually poison the animal.

These last few days we have been on serious ragwort patrol. But weed removal is on a whole new scale, like many other things on the farm. We are removing multiple cubic meters (hundreds of kgs) of the stuff. Hands- blistered. Arms- tired. But major progress is being made. If my arms don’t fall off I should be done clearing the place by the end of the week.