What We’re Reading | Canadian Cattlemen covers upcoming Producer Meetings

Piper Whelan of Canadian Cattlemen – The Beef Magazine spoke with Alberta Beef Producers’ (ABP) Chair Melanie Wowk ahead of our upcoming Producer Meetings.

Alberta Beef Producers zero in on risk management ahead of producer meetings

More responsive programs would make a difference for drought-stricken producers, says ABP chair

By Piper Whelan

With much of Alberta plagued by drought conditions in 2021, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is prioritizing the creation of more effective business risk management options.  

The organization is discussing improvements to existing programs with the provincial government, and aiming to fill the void of risk management tools specifically developed for young producers.  

“They tend to have the highest debt load, and it’s difficult bringing young producers into this industry,” says ABP chair Melanie Wowk.  

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Check-off refunds top the agenda for upcoming Alberta Beef Producers meetings

Along with the check-off shortfall, veterinarian shortage to be discussed at ABP meetings

By Piper Whelan

The number of cattle producers in Alberta choosing to keep the refundable portion of their check-off has put Alberta Beef Producers in a difficult spot financially. 

As a result, the organization has had to change its funding to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), leading to other financial issues, ABP chair Melanie Wowk reports. 

Of the $4.50 check-off, the $2.50 national levy is non-refundable and supports Canada Beef, Beef Cattle Research Council and Public and Stakeholder Engagement. The remaining $2, the provincial levy, is refundable, with the option to leave the portion earmarked for CCA. 

“Out of that $2 provincial levy, 53 cents was going to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. When that refund is pulled back by a producer and the 53 cents isn’t left in, we still have that commitment of a full 53 cents on every marketing, not only net marketings,” says Wowk. 

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‘What We’re Reading’ is a quick look at some of the issues and insights Alberta Beef Producers’ content creators and editors are reading to stay up-to-date, to broaden perspectives, and to explore issues relevant to the agriculture industry.