The Bovine: Producer priorities, policy, and what’s ahead for ABP

After a year away on parental leave, Kara Mastel is back behind the microphone for The Bovine podcast. To kick off the new season, she sat down with Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) General Manager Brad Dubeau to talk about what he’s hearing from producers across the province and the issues generating the most discussion this fall.

Not surprisingly, traceability and national representation continue to top the list.

And as Dubeau has travelled across Alberta attending producer meetings, he’s also noticed something else.

“Producers have been generally in a fairly positive mood,” he said.

Strong cattle markets have helped create some optimism, and producers are taking the opportunity to reconnect at meetings and discuss issues that could affect their operations in the years ahead.

The importance of Producer Meetings

ABP’s Producer Meetings are where cattle producers can bring forward resolutions, ask questions, and help shape the organization’s priorities.

Dubeau said those conversations remain one of the most important ways ABP understands what’s happening on the ground.

“It’s where ABP gets its marching orders from,” he said.

While some production issues are shared across the province, others vary by region. In northwestern Alberta, producers are discussing opportunities to expand community pasture access and support growth in the cow-calf sector. Wildlife issues also continue to be a common concern.

No matter the topic, producer feedback helps determine where ABP focuses its efforts and advocacy work.

Traceability remains top of mind

One of the biggest conversations over the past year has been traceability.

Following resolutions brought forward by producers, ABP brought together a working group that included a cross-section of producers, auction markets, feedlots, veterinarians, industry organizations, the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

In September, the working group released its final report with recommendations including voluntary, industry-driven improvements to cattle movement records.

Dubeau said discussions around the report are positive, with producers wanting to ensure any system works in the real world, and fits the needs of Alberta’s beef industry.

The working group’s recommendations continue to be discussed at Producer Meetings and are expected to be part of further discussions at the ABP Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December.

An update on CCA

Another topic producers continue to ask about is national representation and ABP’s relationship with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA).

Dubeau said Alberta’s withdrawal from CCA membership sparked important conversations across the country about representation and governance. Following the announcement, the CCA’s provincial members came together to form their own working group. In March, that group provided its recommendations to the CCA, including a new governance structure aimed at strengthening the connection between provincial organizations and the national association.

ABP is sharing updates on those changes throughout the fall meeting season, and producers are weighing in on what they would like to see happen next.

Several resolutions supporting a return to CCA membership have already come forward and will be discussed further at the AGM.

In the meantime, Alberta representatives continue to participate in national discussions while governance changes move forward.

Looking ahead

Dubeau said another focus for ABP is making sure the organization has the people and resources needed to tackle the industry issues and opportunities, whether that’s wildlife conflicts, communications, market access, or policy work.

As for what’s next, much of the discussion will continue at the ABP AGM in Red Deer this December.

For producers, it’s another opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and help guide the issues ABP works on moving forward.