A majority of proxy votes lodged by shareholders of Australian Agricultural Company were cast against the re-election of independent director and chairman Brett Heading to the company's board.

AAco is holding its annual general meeting in Brisbane today.

According to a count of proxy votes, 97 million votes were against Mr Heading's re-election, with 58 million in favour.

Mr Heading earlier told shareholders he had been on the board during a tough period for the beef producer.

Meanwhile, proxy votes favoured the election of Nick Burton Taylor, a former AAco chairman who retired from the AAco board in May 2008, to the board.

Some 117 million were in favour with 39 million against.

The AAco board had recommended shareholders vote against the election of Mr Burton Taylor.

Arunas Paliulis representing AACo's largest shareholder, Dubai-based food group IFFCO Poultry Company, was also elected to the board, based on a count of proxy votes.

There were 134 million votes in favour with 20 millions against.

The AAco board had supported the election of Mr Paliulis and Mr Heading.

Mr Heading was appointed chairman in April this year.

He had joined the board of AAco in June 2008.

AAP