2017: Cattle feedersā year in review
This past year saw a number of challenges arise that gave cattle feeders cause for concern, such as changing legislation and regulations, taxation, and trade. At each step, the Alberta Cattle Feedersā Association (ACFA) has played an active role in advocating and negotiating for our members.
Here are some of the major projects we worked on in 2017:
Strategic plan
In March, ACFA board members, staff and industry partners met to renew the organizationās vision, mission and strategic plan. Here is a summary of the outcome of those talks:
Vision: Champion a sustainable cattle feeding sector in Alberta.
Mission: Pursue innovative and collaborative solutions for a thriving Alberta beef industry
Strategic priority #1: Build ACFA membership by delivering value to our members.
Strategic priority #2: Engage with the provincial government to strengthen the health of the cattle feeding sector in Alberta.
Strategic priority #3: Collaborate with partners to advance the industry.
Strategic priority #4: Strengthen ACFA governance.
Advocacy
There were many issues affecting cattle feeders in 2017 in which ACFA played an active role in advocating for our membersā interests. These included:
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- The Lethbridge County head tax which would severely impact cattle feeders in that area, resulting in feedlot closures.
- The provincial carbon levy which could add costs by as much as $6 to $7 per head.
- Federal income tax changes that will harm the viability of family-owned corporations.
- Infrastructure needs, which are not receiving adequate provincial or federal funding.
- Labour shortages, ongoing issues with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and proposed changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).
- Farm safety, employment standards and the Employment Standards Code.
- Trade, and access to new markets for cattle feeders.
Outreach
ACFAās communications with stakeholders and the public included:
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- Key provincial government ministers, decision-makers, MLAs and MPs.
- Members, industry and the media.
- Feedlot tours for educators, students, and government officials.
Watch for status reports, as we continue to stay on top of these issues throughout the coming year.