From Cattle Rancher to Industry Leader: Doug Roxburgh intends to make a difference

Imagine leading Alberta Beef Producers’ Board of Directors while juggling feed runs and national policy meetings.

In Season 3 Episode 5 of The Bovine podcast, brought to you by Alberta Beef Producers, host Kara Mastel sits down with Doug Roxburgh, the newly elected Chair of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), to talk about leadership, resilience, and the future of beef in Alberta. Officially stepping into the role on March 5, 2025, Doug brings a unique blend of practical ranching experience and strategic policy insight to the table.

Doug and his wife run a first-generation cattle operation near Rimbey, Alberta, where they raise commercial bred heifers, market bulls and females, and background calves. On top of that, Doug works as a senior nutrition consultant, helping other producers with year-round feed and nutrition planning. His deep roots in the industry give him a strong perspective on both the challenges and opportunities Alberta beef producers face today.

Doug’s journey into the political side of agriculture began when he volunteered as a delegate. Though initially unsure what he was getting into, he quickly discovered a passion for advocacy and policy. He moved through the ranks, eventually serving as Vice Chair and sitting on the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) board before taking on the Chair position at ABP. His drive? To be more than just a producer—to be someone who helps shape the future of the industry.

In this episode, Doug outlines some of his top priorities, including improving business risk management (BRM) tools—particularly for young and emerging producers—and enhancing communication across the industry. He emphasizes the importance of not just sharing what ABP has done, but where the organization is going. He also highlights the growing collaboration between ABP and other industry groups, like Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA) and Western Stock Growers Association (WSGA), to ensure producers’ voices are united and effective.

Doug also reflects on his whirlwind first few days in the role. Just hours after being elected Chair, he was in front of the media addressing new U.S. tariffs impacting the beef sector. While the timing was intense, Doug says the media’s interest in agriculture has been encouraging, and he sees it as an opportunity to build trust and share Alberta’s beef story with consumers.

The episode also touches on key takeaways from ABP’s recent AGM and the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, including pressing issues like wildlife impacts, feed shortages, and weather outlooks. A dry year may be ahead, but Doug encourages producers to explore tools like Moisture Deficiency Insurance (MDI), which have evolved significantly thanks to producer feedback and ABP’s advocacy.

Doug joins the conversation from Ottawa, where he’s attending the CCA AGM. With Alberta contributing over 50 per cent of CCA’s funding, he says it’s critical that ABP has boots on the ground to influence national policy and build strong interprovincial relationships.

Doug closes with a message to producers: stay informed, get involved, and take advantage of the resources available. The industry faces challenges, but Alberta’s beef producers are strong, adaptable, and ready for what’s next.