Around 1,000 Northern farmers took part in a rally outside Stormont as the Assembly debated the crisis in the agricultural industry.
The Ulster Farmers' Union said the demonstration was to highlight dwindling farm incomes. UFU president Mr Will Taylor said: "Enough is enough. Farm incomes have fallen 80 per cent in five years.
"Never ever has this industry of ours been in such a crisis. Never ever has it been attacked from so many quarters. We have a single message with one voice. Action must be taken now."
He said it was time the Executive took emergency steps to save the industry. The North's Agriculture Minister, Ms Brid Rodgers of the SDLP, said she entirely understood the farmers' frustration.
"I sympathise with the very real problems farming families are facing and I know they are very distraught. I will do everything in my power and explore every avenue to alleviate their plight."
Ms Rodgers said she would be seeking an urgent meeting with the British Agriculture Minister, Mr Nick Brown, to discuss the possibility of compensation from Brussels for Northern Ireland farmers.