2023 Annual Report: Government Relations and Policy

This message was originally posted in Alberta Beef Producers’ 2023 Annual Report. You can find the PDF of the report here.

The Alberta beef industry is one of the largest economic drivers within the ag sector with an over $5 billion dollar return to GDP per year. It is diverse with cow-calf, backgrounding, finishing, and packing sectors all within the province.

The sectors are unequivocally interconnected, which makes collaborative policy and program development essential. With that in mind, ABP has taken on several initiatives focused on helping the at-risk cow-calf sector. Specifically, working to 1) support producers impacted by severe weather conditions, and 2) maintain their access to land and property rights.

2023 was a complicated year for many Alberta producers. The record-setting May heat knocked back the usual spring grass, causing some producers to rely on winter feed early, or graze pasture longer than they should. The rains did come in mid-June, but it was too late for some parts of the province, and hay and grass production was notably down in some areas. Therefore, ABP worked with the Government of Alberta to develop a disaster relief framework to support producers’ ability to maintain breeding stock that are not covered under AgriStability.

In late October, the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada announced the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance Program, or AgriRecovery. ABP is hopeful this program will support drought-affected producers where other programs do not.

Alberta responds to geographic concerns in drought assistance

The intent of AgriRecovery is to offer disaster relief that could be triggered every 10-15 years. But there’s been a need for AgriRecovery in two of the last three years, highlighting the importance of a more effective risk management program. ABP is working with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) to enhance the Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) program and AgriStability. LPI does a good job of mitigating price risk for producers; however, right now we are seeing dramatic fluctuations in input costs such as feed. Therefore, ABP is working closely with AFSC to explore how AgriStability can be augmented for cow-calf producers. There are two main suggestions: 1) accepting more allowable costs, and 2) removing the price inventory adjustments of non-market feed as it makes purchasing feed in drought years much harder.

Producers, especially those utilizing crown land, are being impacted by recreational access, specifically hunting. Even within some departments of government, multiple-use mandates have taken attention away from supporting agriculture, instead refocusing on residential, recreational, and perceived conservation.

To reprioritize grazing on public land, ABP also worked closely with Western Stockgrowers’ Association (WSGA), Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA), and Northern Alberta Grazing Association to develop the Rangeland Grazing Framework. The Framework highlights the importance of ranchers in ecosystem heath and recognize that producers need to be supported by policy to maintain the landscape.

Alberta announces new Rangeland Grazing Framework

For the second time, APB led the organization of the Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit, with co-hosts Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA), Alberta Auction Markets Association, AGLA, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, WSGA, and Canadian Cattle Association. The event saw around 200 attendees, including Federal and Provincial Ministers; Members of Parliament; Members of Legislative Assembly; political staffers; representatives of the beef and cattle industry; and members of the media.

Events like Stampede Summit build and strengthen relationships with political representatives. These relationships put a face to names and issues, so when legislation passes a desk, the respective politician may think of the individuals who are impacted by the decision.

This year, the entire beef industry celebrated a win with the announcement of funding towards a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank. Canada now has dollars committed to secure a supply of vaccine to help control an outbreak if FMD ever enters the country. ABP worked with ACFA, Alberta Goat Association, Alberta Lamb Producers, and Alberta Pork to support this vaccine bank’s development. We will continue to work with the federal and provincial governments to create a strategic plan for vaccine use.

Beef producers have a growing number of pressures on their operations, from the increasing complex realities of farming to new government regulations. ABP is working hard to ensure the long-term stability of the industry.