Teagasc has been forced to temporarily abandon attempts to move cattle from its experimental farm in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.
The agriculture and food authority has been prevented from moving the 40 animals by protesters opposing the sale of the farm.
Around 150 protesters, led by IFA president Mr John Dillon, yesterday blocked a truck from entering the farm to collect the animals which are due to be moved to another Teagasc farm in Co Cavan.
Yesterday was the last day in which the cattle could be safely moved in accordance with the
Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan
Department of Agriculture's blood testing requirements. The agency will now have to wait at least another 30 days.
However, a spokesman for the local action group opposing the farm's closure said they would be maintaining their picket at the 70-acre farm until midnight tonight.
He said local people were taking a stand against a Government body being moved out of the area.
The Ballinamore farm was once the foremost wetland dairy research unit in the Teagasc portfolio but last May the cash-starved ordered the farm to be sold.
Yesterday riot squad gardaí were drafted into Ballinamore in the event of trouble but they were not brought to the scene of the blockade.
Fine Gael Senator Mr Frank Feighan today criticised the deployment of gardaí in riot gear, accusing the Government of trying to "bully farmers into submission".
Mr Feighan said: "I am very concerned that gardaí in riot gear were deployed to deter small farmers in Leitrim from protesting about the closure of the Teagasc advisory centre in Ballinamore.
"The farming sector is in a very vulnerable position and these farmers, many of whom are struggling to stay in business, to protect their livelihoods, and their families' future, had a legitimate right to protest," he said.
