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Post by huntersmoon on Feb 8, 2007 9:50:41 GMT -1
>:(Hi, I have just opened a a new batch of hay and found it full of ragwort! it is impossible to sort it as there are loads of leaves and bits of other stuff in it as well. Am furious, as I asked if it had any in and was told no. Have had this batch since autumn, but it was at the back of my barn so I used up some other first. Does anyone know if there is any legal comeback for this? I have about 70 bales of the wretched stuff. Now I have to go out and try and find some more at top price no doubt!
Am thinking of moving onto haylage next year, does anyone know if this is generally ragwort free or will I possibly have the same problem.
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Post by harveydales on Feb 8, 2007 9:58:53 GMT -1
That's dreadful! Yes, I am pretty sure you do have legal comeback. There should be info on the DEFRA site or even the BHS will point you in the right direction. Don't throw the hay out - you'll need it for evidence!
There still are "dodgey" haylage suppliers who don't check their pasture for ragwort etc so if I buy haylage, i always go to a farmer whose land I know or one fo the big, reputable companies.
We make our own hay and it really is a big job to make sure there is no ragwort in. I spend hours and hours going through the fields and I simply don't believe the average farmer would bother to do this. It really is a worry.
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Post by bevbob on Feb 8, 2007 12:23:41 GMT -1
That is awful, I would definately think you could get legal comeback for that.
Good advise from Pam, I would check it out.
Good luck and avoid the suppliers who you have been dealing with!
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Post by Debbie on Feb 8, 2007 14:13:52 GMT -1
I'd be hanging onto the bales for evidence as well. And great advice to contact DEFRA about it and see what can be done. I know exactly how you feel about shelling out the $$ for the hay, and then when you need it, you discover something like this  If it was me, I'd be looking for a different hay seller next year. |
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Post by zeldalithgow on Feb 8, 2007 21:54:45 GMT -1
That's shocking I'm sure you must have some come-back
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Post by dollylanedales on Feb 8, 2007 22:02:50 GMT -1
Thats awful isn't it? I saw a farmer blaing a field of hay last year, and I know it was full of ragwort. He swore blind to someone that he had picked it all out - doubtful!!
At least you saw the ragwort before the hay was fed to any horses. But all the same, its not right.
I do hope there is something you can to about this, and that you manage to find some replacement hay at a reasonable price. I would send the bill to the man who sold you the ragworty hay!!
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Post by khristyne on Feb 12, 2007 8:44:22 GMT -1
Unfortuneatley, haylage can be full off ragwort too, so make sure you go to a reliable supplier.
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Post by ponydreamersmum on Mar 16, 2007 6:46:29 GMT -1
I only buy my hay from my YO, we also do the haymaking with him so I KNOW the fields are ragwort, dock and buttercup free. I pay a bit more for my bales (if I need to buy any after I get paid in hay for the making!) but I know what I am getting. Do you have a friendly farmer who would let you look at the fields his hay comes from before you buy - I am convinced that hay with ANY weeds in it shows the farmer doesnt take care of his fields and could potentially have ragwort in it. I would also go back to where you bought that hay, make a huge fuss and make sure that you warn all local people who may buy off him for their horses, DEFRA will hopefully get involved for you and make sure others horses are not put at risk.
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