There was plenty of optimism about the future of our cattle industry in Cloncurry earlier this month, with more than 200 producers turning out for AgForce Cattle’s All About Beef event.

AgForce cattle board chair Lloyd Hick.

It was a fantastic result and, more importantly, a great opportunity for producers to come together, hear about some of the issues shaping our industry and have their voices heard.

Simon Quilty, independent meat and livestock analyst, provided his insights into the outlook for beef, while Michael Crowley, Managing Director, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) gave producers an overview of MLA’s work. Will Evans, Cattle Australia CEO, discussed the findings of the recent cattle transaction levy review.

One of the key issues now before producers is the proposal to increase the cattle transaction levy by $1.

AgForce Cattle supports the resolution being put forward by Cattle Australia at the upcoming MLA Annual General Meeting (AGM).

We believe the independent review committee undertook a thorough review of the levy, and Cattle Australia has carefully considered those findings in recommending the $1 increase.

No producer likes to see another cost added to their business, particularly when we are already facing increases across so many areas of production.

But we also need to make sure our industry has the resources it needs to continue promoting Australian beef, investing in research and development and protecting our industry into the future.

The cattle transaction levy has remained at $5 for around 20 years and, having considered the review findings, the AgForce Cattle Board believes the proposed $1 increase is justified.

At the same time, producers have every right to expect greater transparency around how their levy dollars are spent and, importantly, what value they are getting in return. That accountability will be critical to maintaining producer confidence in the levy system.

That’s why I strongly encourage producers to understand the proposal and vote on the resolution at the MLA AGM. It is our levy and our industry, and producers need to have their say.

Anyone wanting more information about the levy review is encouraged to contact an AgForce Cattle Board director – you can find a list of Cattle Board members here. AgForce will also hold a webinar closer to the AGM to give producers another opportunity to understand the proposal and ask questions. The levy discussion is ultimately about ensuring our industry is well positioned for the future, and that includes maintaining strong biosecurity at every level. On that front, I also want to remind producers of their responsibilities when moving cattle, particularly when it comes to cattle ticks.

Even where it is legal to move tick-infested cattle within the cattle tick infested zone, producers need to think carefully about where those cattle are going and the potential risk they may pose.

Moving cattle carrying ticks into an area where properties have been relatively free of them for some time can create significant problems, including the risk of tick fever. Taking precautions before moving cattle can help protect not only your own herd, but your neighbours and the wider industry.

Good biosecurity is something we all have a responsibility for.

There is plenty to be positive about in the cattle industry at the moment. Markets remain encouraging, producers are engaged in the issues affecting our future and there has even been a bit of welcome rain around.

All in all, it’s a pretty good time to own a cow.