Following weeks of unrelenting bad news for the beef sector, farmers were yesterday at the gates of beef plants and the EU’s veterinary watchdog.

The IFA jumped the gates of the EU’s Food and Veterinary Offices in Meath to protest at the lack of scrutiny of the standards and traceability of Brazilian beef. The organisation wants the €1bn Mercosur beef fund released immediately.

The IFA’s national council and livestock committee members on Wednesday 31 July, held a protest at the EU Food & Veterinary Offices, in Grange, Co Meath. \ Kenneth O'Halloran

The Beef Plan Movement’s protest, which began on Sunday, now extends to 14 beef factories from Bandon to Slane. Feelings are running high, with one farmer taken to hospital following an incident at ABP Cahir.

Macroom farmer Ger Dineen and Inspector Dave Callaghan from Bandon Garda station discuss the impasse at the Beef Plan movement protest at ABP Bandon, Co Cork. \ Denis Boyle

Reports indicate that factory throughput is down by more than 25% this week, as the impact of the protests is felt.

Irish cattle prices have fallen by almost 20c/kg over the last month, and now lag behind the EU average. Prices have stabilised in mainland Europe.

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Beef Plan protests disrupt cattle kill

Watch: IFA storm EU food and vet centre in Co Meath

Volatile atmosphere at factory gates