Grassfed cattle producers are getting their first chance to change their levy in 20 years, and under the resolution, the levy will not rise unless the reforms are delivered first. With less than two weeks to go, Cattle Australia is urging every levy payer to vote before ballots close at 3.30pm (Qld time) on Sunday 22 November.

The recommendations follow consultation with more than 1,000 producers, who asked for more say over their levy, a focus on their priorities and more accountability for how their levy is invested.

Under the resolution, the levy will not rise unless the reforms are delivered in full by July 2027. If the reforms are delivered, the levy will increase by $1, to $6, from July 2028.

The review also found producers want the body that speaks for them on the levy to be properly resourced. More than 50 industry committee roles are currently filled by volunteer producers, with no formal training pathway and sitting fees that often don’t cover time away from the business.

The recommendations also include a dedicated funding stream for industry representation. These funds need to be set aside to give producers a stronger voice in how their levy is invested, train and support producers on industry committees and boards, tackle the challenges of misinformation in the school curriculum, help more levy payers understand and take part in the levy system, and use fact-based information to defend the industry’s reputation against attacks from activist groups promoting misinformation.

Cattle Australia Chair Garry Edwards said the vote put producers in charge of setting the direction of their own levy.

“This is the first time in 20 years that grassfed producers have had a say on their levy, and the result will shape how it’s invested for years to come. If levy payers want greater accountability and influence over their levy, they need to vote FOR the resolution,” Mr Edwards said.

“The resolution puts accountability first. Producers told the review they don’t want to pay more until they can see what they’re getting for what they already pay, and that’s exactly how this has been built.

“It also fixes a long-standing gap. Producers want more of their own at the table on the committees and at the forums that shape their industry, and they want its reputation defended. A dedicated representation stream gives us the means to employ resources, and train and support producers to do that.

“Every grassfed producer pays this levy, so every grassfed producer should vote.”

Every time producers sell cattle they pay the levy, and this vote could reshape how the industry invests in itself. Cattle Australia is urging every levy payer to have their say on the future of their industry.

Ballots close 3.30pm (Qld time), Sunday 22 November, ahead of the MLA AGM in Townsville on Tuesday 24 November.

Levy payers don’t need to be MLA members to vote. Voting packs were sent in October by email or post. Check junk folders and letterboxes for mail from Meat & Livestock Australia Limited. Non-members should look for the subject line “Grassfed Cattle Levy Ballot 2026”, and MLA members for “2026 Annual General Meeting”. No pack? Call MLA on 1800 023 100 or email membership@mla.com.au. You don’t need to be a member to request assistance.

More information: https://www.cattleaustralia.com.au/the-cattle-transaction-levy