Walcha sheep and cattle producer and Grassfed Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee member Hugh Nivison says the review’s recommendation is about making sure the grassfed levy keeps delivering real value to the producers who fund it.

A fifth-generation producer from Walcha in NSW, Mr Nivison has more than 30 years’ experience in commercial livestock production, together with extensive involvement in livestock genetics, research and development, and the Australian beef industry.

“It is remarkable how far our beef industry has come,” Mr Nivison said.

“I can remember when buying a steak sandwich at the footy was a 50:50 chance of getting something edible. Today, it is almost impossible to find a poor quality steak in Australia. That is certainly not the case in many other beef-producing countries I have visited.

“Much of that improvement has occurred over the past 20 years. It has been driven by investment in research and development, particularly in genetics, carcase quality and livestock management, but equally by producers and processors adopting new technologies and responding to strong demand from domestic and international markets.

“We should be proud of what we have achieved, but we cannot assume that what has worked so well over the past 20 years will necessarily deliver the same benefits over the next 20.”

Mr Nivison said producers were rightly asking more of their levy.

“Producers are increasingly asking very reasonable questions about their levy: What value am I getting today? How will it benefit my business tomorrow? And how much say do I have in where that money goes?

“That is what this recommendation is about – making sure the grassfed cattle levy continues to deliver real value to producers, that investment is focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead, and that the people paying the levy have a genuine voice in its future.”

Under the recommendation, improved accountability and reporting come first. The levy would rise from $5 to $6 per transaction only if the reforms are introduced in full by 1 July 2027.

“Every grassfed cattle levy payer has the opportunity to vote,” Mr Nivison said.

“Supporting the recommendation is an opportunity to put producers back at the centre of decisions about their levy and ensure it continues to work for the businesses that fund it.”

Grassfed levy payers will decide the resolution at the MLA AGM on 24 November 2026. You do not need to be an MLA member to vote. Ballots have been sent by email or post and close 3.30pm (Qld time), Sunday 22 November. MLA members can also vote live at the AGM. If you haven’t received a ballot, contact MLA on 1800 023 100 or membership@mla.com.au.

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