The long-running battle for the presidency of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association will end in Limerick on Monday when the poll will take place.
Mr Frank Allen (50), a Limerick farmer who has led the 30,000-member organisation for four years, is facing a challenge from his deputy, Mr Pat O'Rourke from Co Longford, whom he defeated in the last presidential election.
While relations between the two were never very warm, they deteriorated over the past year following the cattle-fodder crisis.
Mr O'Rourke was highly critical of Mr Allen's handling of that situation and it was clear from early this year that a challenge to him was under way, even though he could serve a further two-year term.
Yesterday, Mr Allen said he was confident he would have a majority of the 60-member national council which will make the decision on Monday.
"I will be very surprised if I do not make it. I have the advantage that I have been doing a good job and I am also, if you like, the sitting tenant," he said.
The president's view that he has been doing a good job is not shared by Mr O'Rourke who wants a stronger approach to the many problems facing farming.
He too, is confident of victory but is aware that the majority of the members are in Munster, far from his Longford base. He believes the members want change and that his record as deputy president will be sufficient to win the day for him.
Both men have been carrying out intensive lobbies of the members to influence the national council members in their decision on Monday.