The State's beef sector is "heading for an autumn catastrophe" which could cost it £250 million, the president of the Irish Farmers' Association has said.
Mr Tom Parlon said action must be taken by the Government and industry to prevent "devastating" income losses for thousands of farm families who were dependant on cattle.
The Government and industry must reopen markets and strengthen EU price supports for the beef sector, which involves 100,000 producers and has exports worth more than £1 billion.
"The stark reality is that, apart from the UK market, three-quarters of all our markets are currently closed or have suspended our exports," Mr Parlon added.
Furthermore, with no livestock marts or trade in younger stock since February, because of foot-and-mouth, there was a build-up of 650,000 head of calves and store cattle on farms.
"With our live export markets to Europe for these animals suspended, we are facing a serious price problem unless these markets are reopened," said Mr Parlon, who was speaking at the first meeting of the IFA national council since the beginning of the crisis.