Farmers protest as beef and lamb prices get the chop

Farmers yesterday staged protests outside retail outlets in Kerry, accusing supermarkets and processors of "profiteering" on the back of excessive beef and lamb price cuts to livestock farmers.

County IFA chairman Sean Brosnan led the protests which targeted Tesco, SuperValu and Dunnes Stores outlets in Tralee.

He said retailers had a corporate responsibility to ensure farmer suppliers are paid a viable price that covers the costs of production and leaves a reasonable margin.