PROPOSALS which would split the National Cattle Association into beef and dairy factions are expected to meet heavy opposition at an extraordinary meeting today.

A straw poll of the various bodies involved showed dairy societies very much against and top beef groups for, suggesting smaller beef breed groups might tip the balance.

Ayrshire dairy farmer and NCA chairman Billy Kilpatrick admits that finances - beef producers feel they are the main contributors but get least benefit - and the continuing BSE crisis are the main factors in moves to either wind up the association or to create two subsidiary companies within its umbrella.

He also admitted he had no idea how the vote would go, particularly as the many proxy voters were given only 24 hours to return their forms.

Individuals have one vote while breed societies have 10 per 1000

members, or part thereof.

This gives considerable weight to the Holstein Friesian Society with its 12,600 members and which is firmly in favour of the status quo, as is the Ayrshire Cattle Society.

However, beef breed societies such as the Aberdeen-Angus, Limousin, and Charolais, not to mention Hereford breeder John Cameron, Balbuthie, Fife, chairman of the Scottish Beef Council - are convinced a split is vital to restore the flagging fortunes of Britain's beef industry. The

Hereford Cattle Society is less convinced.

A decision could be announced after the meeting, but proxy votes may delay the result until Beef '98 at Balbuthie, Fife, on Friday.