Wild parsnip is taking over this area. All the roadsides are full of it and the
417 in this area is completely bordered by it. Its invasion has replaced that
of purple loosestrife with a more negative impact. There is a huge movement in
the area to prevent spray control without suggesting a viable alternative. In
the interim it is spreading by miles every year.

Has anyone had their horses get into wild parsnip and if so what were the
symptoms of poisoning? It is my impression that it results in
photosensitisation of both humans and horses. Fortunately it has not shown up
in the pasture and we are pretty vigilant in that area.

The other weed that is taking over hay fields in eastern Ontario is bedstraw.
There is no toxicity problem but it quickly outcompetes all grasses and takes
over a hay field. And!!! it is resistant to most pesticides. The only way we
got it out of one field was to plow down and plant buckwheat for two years.
Buckwheat can outcompete bedstraw but it is moving in again. Anyone have that
problem and what have you done to control it?

Laurie
Hawk Hill Farm
www.hawkhillfarm.ca