BEEF producers have voted to keep the $5-a-head cattle transaction levy at the Meat and Livestock Australia AGM in Darwin.

MLA members voted to retain the levy with 72.5 per cent of votes cast of retaining the $5 levy, which is the first time producers have voted on the increased levy.

The levy was $3.50 in 2005 at the last vote.

"It is pleasing to receive such strong support from the industry and I can assure producers that MLA remains committed to continuing to work hard to deliver a return on their investment,'' MLA chairman Don Heatley said.

The vote was the culmination of a 12-month process including the committee's review and a six-month campaign to create awareness among producers and encourage them to participate.

"Over 70 forums were held across the country with more than 6000 producers attending to hear more about the industrys promotional activities  it is pleasing to see how many producers participated in the vote this year and I thank them for getting involved,'' Mr Heatley said.

Meanwhile Iain Mars and Greg Harper were elected to the MLA board, while Peter Trefort was re-elected. 

In the election  95.6% of votes were cast in favour of electing Mr Trefort, 88 per cent for Greg Harper and 81.4% for Iain Mars.

MLA members also supported a resolution to amend the MLA constitution to enable greater use of electronic methods to communicate information to members.