Farmers protest at price cuts

AN estimated 800 livestock farmers who protested outside a County Roscommon meat plant yesterday claimed that cattle price cuts by factories will force them out of business.

Meat Industry Ireland warned, however, that any disruption to normal processing activity at beef factories or interference with the orderly marketing of finished cattle will be harmful to the overall beef trade.

It said that protests by beef farmers, supported by the IFA, are misguided and ill-advised. Cattle price is a matter for negotiation between the individual farmer and factory.