After releasing recommendations from the report in October, Mr Redman said he was keen to obtain comments from industry organisations and had asked for responses by November 6, 2009 after which time he would commence work to implement the report.

That date was then put back until November 20, 2009.

Mr Redman said he had delayed his response until January in order to make it as solid as possible.

"The Government is looking to release its response to the Beef Stocktake in January," Mr Redman said.

"I don't want to rush out a response simply for the sake of having a response out there, I want the steps to be outlined.

"I think the beef industry deserve nothing less.

"The Agriculture and Food Department has been tasked with getting the detail worked out over the next few weeks so we can respond as soon as possible."