A number have told the BBC they are at the end of their tether, with one calling for the resignation of Agriculture Minister Nick Brown.

Others demanded a return to direct action over the ban, with a call for a blanket picket of UK supermarkets.

At a cattle market in Crewe, livestock farmer Stuart Yarwood blamed the government for the lack of action and called for the resignation of Mr Brown.

"He has got to go. He lacks authority, he lacks confidence and he lacks inspiration," he said.

Stuart Yarwood: "Brown has got to go"

"Despite all the meticulous attention being paid to the paperwork and traceability of these cattle they are only worth half of what they were when the beef ban was imposed.

"Politicians have promised a lot and delivered nothing."

Cheshire National Farmers' Union official Peter Offer said there was "deep anger and dismay" at the French refusal to lift the ban despite being ordered to do so by the European Commission.

"Disappointed is too mild a word," he said. "Despite the industry doing everything demanded of it the French still say it's not enough. It's not a health issue, they're just protecting their own market by illegal means.

He said he hoped the ban would be lifted next week, but was pessimistic because of what he called "French intransigence".

"Clearly the government have to take the share of that blame, and the French Government as well, who seem to think they can take illegal action. The EC seems totally unable to force them to carry out the instructions they have been given."

Richard Haddock: "The great British public are brilliant supporters"

The chairman of the Devon branch of the NFU, Richard Haddock, called for shoppers to boycott French products.

"We are hoping the National NFU will lead the way and picket every supermarket in the country, and keep it in place for seven or 10 days or however long it takes.