Last week, the Cowra, NSW lamb producer bowed out to focus more on his property, with Victorian producer Kate Joseph stepping up to take control.

Despite not seeing a lot of success at the Doha round of free trade talks, where Australian lamb was set to be a major beneficiary, Mr Groves sees a bright future for the industry he has been happy to lead.

“There is a lot to look forward to," he said.

"For the European Union quota, I think we are on the right track by forming one on one relationships with countries such as France, it looks like we may be able to make inroads there as that particular country is set to become a net importer of sheepmeat in the not-to-distant future.”

With the wool industry seeming to tear itself apart, Mr Groves said the structure of Meat and Livestock Australia was right and the runs were on the board in terms of performance for those that fund it.

“Research is progressing well with Sheep Genetics Australia, most ram buyers look for genetic breeding values when they buy rams.

"The marketing and promotion MLA have conducted over the years has really benefited the lamb producer.

"The live sheep industry is something I have taken a lot of interest in and it continues to perform.

"All up, things are running along well.”

Politically Mr Groves said the selection of candidates for the MLA board by a sub-committee worked well to keep the “popularity contest” that bugs the wool industry every year, away from the sheepmeat industry.

“It’s a great industry and that’s why I am more than happy to stay in it. It’s been a great honour," he said.

"I will continue to watch and enjoy the industry from here at Cowra,” he said.