Updates from the Intensive Livestock Working Group

The Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) is an industry coordination catalyst, representing Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, Alberta Pork, Alberta Milk, Egg Farmers of Alberta, Alberta Hatching Egg Producers, Alberta Chicken Producers, and Alberta Turkey Producers.

Together, we unite the livestock sector in addressing environmental, regulatory, and public trust issues that impact both our member organizations and the producers they serve.

Public Trust Project

This past year, ILWG launched Phase IV of the Public Trust Project, aimed at strengthening relationships between municipalities and confined feeding operations. This phase included hosting in-person “Stock Talks” meetings, conducting on-farm tours, and continuing our monitoring of all municipalities for changes to land use planning. 

• Outreach to 28 Municipalities about Stock Talks with uptake from some prior to October 2025 municipal election and others anticipated in 2026 following election.
• Attendance at RMA and AUMA to engage with municipalities and raise profile of sector.
• 17 Municipalities provided direct engagement on feedback on MDP, IDP, and LUBs.
• 41 Municipalities monitored for Land Use Planning.

ILWG maintained strong representation with key provincial bodies, including the Alberta Water Council Board and the Clean Air Strategic Alliance Board. This work included projects such as the “Dust Management Guide” and “Vehicle Emissions Tampering.” The Agri-Environmental Partnership Alliance and the NRCB Policy Advisory Group also had representation from the group where issues like Road Use Agreements were discussed as well as water.  

Environmental consultations

We engaged in critical government consultations on the proposed Nature Strategy, Water Availability Engagement, regional plan reviews — including the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan—and liaised with key partners such as ADM Conrad, Team Alberta Crops, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Alberta Municipalities, and the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association. 

Looking ahead, we encourage members to volunteer for the Public Trust Project so that we may continue to bridge the urban/rural gap.  ILWG’s success is built on the collective strength of our membership — working together as a catalyst for the entire sector and for the individual producers who sustain it. Thank you for your collaboration, commitment, and support. For more information on our work and initiatives, please visit www.ilwg.ca