Alberta Beef Producers is reassuring ranchers that impact to its some 18,000 producers provincewide will be minimal following a decision to withdraw membership from the Canadian Cattle Association.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Alberta Beef Producers is looking to the future following the announcement of intent to withdraw from the Canadian Cattle Association, though producers are being assured they will not see major impacts.
The decision was rooted in several factors, says ABP chair Doug Roxburgh, which had been shared with the CCA prior.
The organization has significant concerns regarding the governance and fiscal transparency at the CCA, and recommended the CCA form a dedicated governance committee, as well as an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive review of CCA governance structure.
Roxburgh says ABP recommended the unfreezing of board seats and a revision of the representation formula.
“None of our suggestions are new to the CCA. Despite our efforts in asking for change, we have not seen meaningful progression or a willingness to address these concerns,” Roxburgh told the News on Wednesday. “We owe it to Alberta cattle producers to ensure their dollars are invested in organizations that will align with their values and priorities. This decision was not made lightly and it reflects thoughtful process and support from our delegate body.”
The decision was made following a consultation process, including several opportunities for discussion at a special delegate meeting. This decision was also made with “ample runway ahead,” says Roxburgh, as it allows time to plan how to best represent Alberta’s producers on a national level, should it be necessary.
Presently, ABP is focused on discussion with the CCA to see what can be done moving forward, but Roxburgh says ultimately, from the producers end, there will be no significant changes. Additionally, ABP will continue to fulfil financial obligations to the CCA through June 2026,.
“This decision does not affect the funding to the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off Agency or its service providers, including the Beef Cattle Research Council, public and stakeholders engagement and Canada Beef,” said Brad Dubeau, general manager of Alberta Beef Producers.
“ABP has undergone significant changes to strengthen our organization. We’ve streamlined operations, enhanced communications and focused on strengthening the producer driven commission,” said Dubeau. “These changes have positioned us to better serve Alberta’s cattle producers. They’ve also reaffirmed our belief that evolution is the only constant in an effective organization.”
There is a short-term plan in place to ensure Alberta’s voice continues to be heard, and Dubeau assures producers that ABP remains committed to keeping them engaged and informed throughout this transition, as the organization advocates for the province’s beef industry for years to come.
“We recognize we’ve got approximately 18,000 producers across this province, and we recognize there’s differing opinions on this decision,” said Roxburgh. “I just want to emphasize again that the delegate body had thorough discussions, and the board of directors had thorough discussions on the current move. All of these producers are elected to these boards to make sure that those producer dollars coming into our organization are being utilized in the most efficient manners possible. And so we appreciate all the conversation on it.”
