MLA members also voted on the election of three producer representatives to the board selection committee - one cattle producer, one sheep producer and one lot feeder of cattle.
Daniel Radel was announced as the cattle producer representative, Tony Fitzgerald as the lot-feeder cattle representative and Mark Wootton as the sheep producer representative.
The role of the committee is to call for applications, review and interview, and report to members on the suitability of candidates for election to the board.
At the AGM Mr Beckett gave an overview of the industry in the past 12 months.
“As we reflect on the last 12 months, COVID-19 and its impact on all industries hangs large, but the Australian red meat sector has fared well through this pandemic,” Mr Beckett said.
“A key focus for the MLA this year has been to ensure we are able to respond and adapt to the significant challenges of 2020 and our new operating environment - while continuing to deliver our strategic objectives across our marketing, research and development investments on behalf of our industry.”
MLA managing director Jason Strong outlined the strong position of Australia's red meat industry, and the positive outlook.
“With a forecast protein shortage across the globe driven by African swine fever and demand set to grow at unparalleled levels as consumers become increasingly affluent, we are looking at a three- to five-year window of untold prosperity,” Mr Strong said.
“As an industry our biggest challenge is how the red meat and livestock industry can be more united in seizing the opportunity this unprecedented global demand for protein provides."
