Production was resuming today at six meat processing plants that were at the centre of a nationwide protest by farmers.
However, fears are growing that the dispute will escalate next week, with pickets extended to other plants.
Hundreds of farmers withdrew from the picket lines last night after protesting at what they claimed were unfair cuts in the prices paid for livestock.
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) and producers are to meet informally at the National Ploughing Championships over the next three days in Co Laois.
However, if no compromise is reached, the IFA is expected to extend the protest to plants other than AIBP-controlled premises next week.
IFA president Mr John Dillon said the original protest was the first stage in a more intensive campaign to secure viable prices for livestock farmers.
"Cattle farmers are determined to expose the unjustified beef price cuts of the last eight to 10 weeks by the factories and secure a reasonable return for their livestock," he said.
The Irish Meat Association (IMA), which represents meat processors, accused the IFA of misleading farmers into believing that artificially high cattle prices can be sustained.
PA