Smith said he saw a lot of potential for the industry over the next two years of his term as president and planned to put his effort into realising that potential for the future of the industry.

“The ACCC report has given industry a lot to think about, and a lot to focus on – particularly in regards to objective carcase measurement, which is a big priority for the CCA,” Smith said.

“We are looking forward to seeing the outcomes of Meat and Livestock Australia’s rollout of the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry technology in AUS-MEAT registered slaughter facilities across Australia but we still have work to do - not only in the objective measurement space but in market access, transparency and levy-payer representation.”

The CCA have been taking steps over the past year to make representation more accessible, opening up presidential nominations to all committee members under its new constitution.

Smith said it was also important for the organisation to grow the Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System, an important quality assurance program for producers, processors and consumers.

“PCAS allows producers to prove claims relating to their pasturefed and grassfed production methods, which provides niche markets and premiums for both producers and processors as well as quality assurance for consumers,” Smith said.

“It’s critical we maintain the momentum the program has gathered since its inception and continue to fulfil the growing demand for grassfed beef.”