In deference to current international economic turmoil, the MLA board amended its motion to delay the introduction of the new cap by six months, to July 2009.

NSW cattle producer, Peter Carter, Wellington, unsuccessfully attempted to delay the vote on the increase for at least 12 months, a procedural motion which chairman, Don Heatley, rejected on the grounds that a significant number of proxies had already been recieved on the matter.

Mr Carter said he had supported the rise until the economic downturn, which he argued was unlikely to be reversed in six months.

He was surprised by the closeness of the vote.

North Queensland cattleman, Don Heatley, was returned as chairman with 84.75pc support, in a motion which Australian Beef Association members used as a protest vote against MLA management.

Current director and food industry specialist, Peter Boyden, held his chair with 86.17pc support, and Central West NSW sheep producer, Grant Burbidge, was elected with 95.33pc support to replace retiring director, Jay Sims.

The regular shuttlecock debate between ABA members and MLA supporters about the National Livestock Identification System and stagnant cattle prices covered old ground, but the ABA also attacked MLA for a lack of input in the ACCC grocery enquiry.