BEEF, sheepmeat and goatmeat producers will be asked to endorse two board directors for the Meat & Livestock Australia industry service delivery company at this year’s annual general meeting in Townsville in November.

MLA is now seeking candidates to fill the two board positions, covering beef and sheepmeat production.

MLA operates under a skills-based board model, with different directors bringing a balance of expertise across livestock production, business management, research and development, marketing and governance.

MLA directors serve three-year terms, and those who complete their current terms at the end of this year (having been elected in 2023) include Queensland beef producer Russell Lethbridge and NSW lamb and beef producer and R&D specialist Lucinda Hogan.

Both have the option to stand for another term if they choose, but will be considered no differently than other candidates.

The MLA board is skills-based, and the skill-set descriptions for upcoming board vacancies can vary from year to year, based on requirements. This year the focus is on strengthening expertise across the Australian beef and sheepmeat sectors.

Under the process, candidates can apply for one of the board seats, with two candidates put forward by the MLA board selection committee. Those two candidates are either approved or rejected by MLA members at the AGM. No candidate put forward by the selection committee has ever been rejected since MLA was formed in 1997.

The appointments come as part of MLA’s annual board renewal process, which ensures the organisation maintains a strong, skills-based governance structure aligned to the needs of the red meat industry, stakeholders were advised today.

“MLA is seeking candidates with deep production knowledge and a strong understanding of modern livestock systems, alongside broader experience that will support the organisation’s strategic priorities and future growth,” today’s advice said.

The two director roles identified for 2026 are:

• Australian beef production: Seeking candidates with extensive experience in modern northern production systems, including pasture management, genetics and nutrition. Experience or understanding of research, development and adoption, supply chains and emerging technologies will be highly regarded.
• Australian sheepmeat production: Candidates bringing extensive experience in contemporary sheepmeat production systems, including pasture management, genetics and nutrition. Additional knowledge of RD&A, supply chains and emerging technologies will also be well regarded.

“MLA is committed to maintaining a diverse and high-performing Board that reflects the breadth of Australia’s red meat industry. Candidates from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply,” today’s advice said.

Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, 7 June.

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter and CV outlining their experience and suitability for the role. The process is being managed in partnership with Pacific Search Partners.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in August, with the two recommended candidates presented to members for election at MLA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.

• To be considered for one of the board roles stakeholders should email their application and CV to consultant@pacificsearch.com.au quoting MLA in the subject box.
• Alternatively they can call (03) 9631 1500 for a confidential discussion.