ABP highlights leadership, collaboration at PNWER Annual Summit

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) played a strong role at the 2026 Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit in Edmonton, contributing to discussions on transportation, communications and industry collaboration while helping showcase Alberta Beef to delegates from across the region.

The Annual Summit brings together government leaders, industry representatives and stakeholders from across the Pacific Northwest to discuss shared economic opportunities and regional priorities.

Strengthening agricultural supply chains

ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh participated in a panel discussion focused on strengthening agricultural supply chains alongside Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer and Jennifer Riddle of Tidewater Transportation and Terminals.

The discussion highlighted the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure, cross-border collaboration and efficient supply chains to support a resilient and competitive livestock industry throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Roxburgh also delivered a presentation outlining the importance of transportation to Alberta’s cattle industry, emphasizing the region’s highly integrated beef sector and the need for dependable freight corridors to support feed supplies, cattle movement, processing capacity and international trade.

Building trust through communication

ABP General Manager Brad Dubeau also spoke during the summit as part of the session on Improving Communication and Trust.

His presentation explored how Alberta Beef Producers has made communication one of its most powerful leadership tools by expanding its communications channels and strengthening engagement with producers.

“Communication is not just a support function, especially in a producer organization. It’s leadership,” Dubeau said. “It’s how we build trust, engagement and support.”

Dubeau shared how ABP has invested in initiatives including ABP Magazine, ABP Daily, social media, podcasts and other communication tools to better connect producers with the work being done on their behalf.

The session also featured Jason Hale, Deputy Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, and Ian Moon of Olymel, who discussed the importance of communication and collaboration across the livestock sector.

Showcasing Alberta Beef

Beyond the conference sessions, ABP also partnered in the PNWER Dine Around Alberta Beef Experience, giving summit delegates an opportunity to enjoy Alberta Beef at participating Edmonton restaurants.

The initiative showcased the quality and flavour of Alberta Beef while highlighting Alberta’s world-class beef industry to visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.

Overall, trust was a common thread throughout ABP’s participation at PNWER — whether discussing transportation, communicating with producers or building relationships across the industry. The summit underscored that strong partnerships remain one of the beef sector’s greatest strengths, while ABP participation helped demonstrate the important role Alberta’s beef industry plays in strengthening the Pacific Northwest economy.