ABP summer event recap

Calgary Stampede

We kicked off Calgary Stampede with a bang. On July 10, ABP led the second-annual Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit with co-hosts Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Western Stock Growers’ Association, and Canadian Cattle Association.

Stampede Summit 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.

At the event, The Honourable RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, announced that the Provincial Government sent a Request for Assessment to the Government of Canada on July 4 as the first step in the AgriRecovery process.

Cattle Trail & Kitchen Theatre

This year Cattle Trail looked a little different as the organizations came together to create a comprehensive story about the industry, from grassland conservation all the way to the supper table.

To wrap up Calgary Stampede we participated in “Kitchen Theatre” where we hosted a “Beef Black-Box” competition. Local chefs and BBQ pitmasters went face to face in a timed competition where they were challenged to present their take on the multiple ways to use top sirloin cap steak.

Canadian Beef Industry Conference

Alberta Beef Producers kicked off the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference by hosting the pre-tour on Monday, August 14, 2023. The tour was off to a great start with a breakfast provided by Canadian Cattle Identification Agency to celebrate their 25th Anniversary.

Our in-pasture presentations from Doug and Tim Wray of Wray Ranch were a big hit. The second tour stop was graciously hosted by Rimrock Feeders. The last tour consisted of a walk in Sunterra Greenhouse. Here, employees grow and harvest tomatoes and strawberries year-round. Interestingly, the tomato vines produced from Sunterra are fed to the neighbouring cattle housed at the Rimrock Feeders operation. Their water is also recycled through the hydroponic growing system.

With a portion of our staff volunteering for the Social Committee, we were able to assist in the production of a few events to keep the 600+ attendees entertained throughout the week. Producers were allowed to showcase their photography skills by submitting their best photos. On the Wednesday evening, the CBIC banquet was held, filled with a night full of Canadian Trivia. To wrap up the CBIC events, Lammles presented the Bull Fighters Only performance which was filled with excitement and action as the competitors tested their agility and speed against multiple, and very agile, bulls.