Farmers to protest outside factory

Marts: The heavy weekend rain brought out large supplies of cattle to the factories yesterday, leading to pressure on prices, which has drawn the wrath of producers.

Farmers will protest outside the Kepak factory at Athleague, Co Roscommon, this afternoon in what could be the first shot in a bitter autumn battle by producers against the processors, claiming that any further lowering of prices is unjustified.

Several factories did not quote for cattle yesterday as they tested the temperament of producers for acceptance of a further lowering of prices.