IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said farmers should push back hard on the propaganda from agents and the factories on price and insist on full value for their stock.
He said the negative rumours are a trap to try and squeeze out very tight supplies and to undermine confidence in the trade.
He said the base price for steers is €4.20/kg and €4.30 for heifers with more paid in places on various deals.
