Grassfed beef industry peak body Cattle Australia is calling for nominations for two Board Director positions and eight Regional Consultative Committee positions, to be decided during the body’s upcoming annual general meeting.

Cattle Australia chief executive officer Chris Parker said those who see themselves as a leader, have big ideas on how to improve the grassfed beef industry, or would like to be involved in rewarding advocacy and policy work that benefits their industry and region, should put their name forward.

“By joining the CA Board or the Regional Consultative Committee, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the grassfed beef industry, ensuring the voices of Australian cattle producers are heard during critical decision-making processes,” Dr Parker said.

Successful candidates will be responsible for building on the work of previous leaders within CA, expanding beyond policy to develop strategy around advocacy, consultation of members at a grass-roots level, and engagement of broader society.

“Strong leadership and a strong connection to the grass-roots of the industry is critical to harnessing the opportunities before us, and addressing the challenges our industry faces,” Dr Parker said.

As the peak industry body for the grassfed beef sector, CA has a legislated role to represent the more than 52,000 Australian grassfed cattle levy payers.

The CA Board consists of seven democratically elected directors and two skills-based directors. Two board director positions are open for election in November – one from the North Australia Beef Research region and one from the Southern Australia Livestock Research region.

The Regional Consultative Committee is comprised of 22 members – 15 of whom are elected by CA members on a regional basis and seven who are appointed by the State Farming Organisations. The RCC is responsible for advising on issues affecting the grassfed cattle industry via engagement and consultation with producers at a grass-roots level.

Nominations are now open for eight Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) positions to be elected at November’s AGM.

Dr Parker said through this structure, the organisation provides leadership and direction for the industry by developing and driving contemporary policy, guiding research, development and adoption, and marketing investment, and advocating on matters important to the sector.

“Through the democratic model, CA has provided a direct line of sight for levy payers and direct input into policy formulation, enabling producers to influence government policy and drive change in their industry,” he said.

“In particular, the RCC has allowed CA to engage with producers at a grass-roots level to provide a united voice, in an effort to solve emerging industry issues and advocate with contemporary science and farming knowledge.

“We look forward to new ideas and fresh perspectives joining us as we continue this vital work, and strongly encourage producers to nominate for the two Board Director positions and eight RCC positions.”

Nominations close Monday, 30 September. More information about which Board Director and RCC positions are up for election, nomination and voting eligibility, and the election process can be found here.

• Cattle Australia’s 2024 AGM and Producer day will be held at Bective Station near Tamworth NSW on Thursday 21 November, in conjunction with MLA’s AGM and producer gathering.