Dairygold suppliers have been advised that lactating cows should not graze grass that has been sprayed off with the herbicide glyphosate.

“The onus is on all milk suppliers for the safe use of herbicides in relation to animal health, food safety, water quality and biodiversity,” a spokesperson for Dairygold said.

“Suppliers are advised that lactating cows should not graze grass where grass has been sprayed [off with glyphosate].”

Dairygold has said that despite evidence stating that grassland can be grazed five days after herbicide application, best practice advice from Teagasc is that lactating cows should not be grazed where grassland has been sprayed.