How ABP helped inform the news in 2021

Throughout 2021, we’ve been actively engaged in communications efforts, even outside of our own platforms. This year, we were invited to discussions with mainstream media, as well as agricultural media outlets, on a number of issues.

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ABP App | ABP Daily | ABP Magazine | All for the Beef | Alberta Beef Producers

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Here are a few of the main topics, and the different ways we collaborated to share our stories and perspectives, through radio, writing, and in-person interviews.

Drought and AgriRecovery

As soon as it was clear that dry conditions were having a negative impact on cattle producers, we dedicated ourselves to keeping producers informed at ABP Daily, working with stakeholders to move forward on support systems, and sharing the story through the media.

Radio:

• 770 CHQR – Karin Schmid, Beef Research and Extension Lead for ABP on the drought
  (to listen, go to Global’s On Demand, and select June 23, 3:38 PM)
• 770 CHQR – Hosts Sue and Andy speak with Brad Dubeau, GM, ABP
  (to listen, go to Global’s On Demand, and select July 13, 6:09 AM)
• 840 CFCW – ABP Chair Melanie Wowk joins Dean Thorpe on Alberta Ag Show.
  (to listen, go to Global’s On Demand, and select July 13, 6:09 AM)
• 770 CHQR and 630 CHED – Host Shaye Ganam speaks with Jason Hale, Vice Chair, ABP
• (to listen, go to Global’s On Demand, and select July 15, 11:00 AM)
• 96.5 CKFM – CCA, ABP Virtual Town Halls This Week Will Discuss Drought And Wildfire Relief
• CBC Radio – Drought in cattle country – Edmonton AM with Mark Connolly, Tara McCarthy
• CBC Radio – Cattle Drought – Calgary Eyeopener with David Gray, Angela Knight 
• 770 CHQR – Shaye Ganam speaks with ABP Chair, Dr. Melanie Wowk, on 770 CHQR

Editorial:

• Drought 2021 is raising concerns for Ag producers – MyLloydminsterNow
• Forget the heat, it’s the drought causing concern – Medicine Hat News – Toronto Star
• Summer heat having major impact for cattle producers – Lethbridge Herald
• Hope dries up along with pastures and fields – Ag Canada
• Calls for drought relief prompts ABP to move as quickly as possible – Lethbridge News Now
• Ottawa’s farm aid pledge didn’t come with the details – Alberta Farmer Express
• Relief money is coming soon, but the pain will be long lasting – Alberta Farmer Express

Cattle Country

Twice a month, Alberta Beef Producers joins Jim Fisher for a 1.5 minute update on the happenings in the beef cattle industry, and at ABP. This year we covered topics such as drought, upcoming meetings, business risk management, the launch of our new communication tools, and more. These updates air on 15 radio stations across Alberta.

Cargill Strike

This winter, Cargill High River was served with a strike notice. We encouraged a timely resolution to negotiations, and were also available to media requests.

• Prairie ranchers brace for potential strike at Cargill plant in Alberta as deadline looms – CBC News
• Cargill serves lockout notice to unionized High River employees – RealAgriculture

Environmental Sustainability Award

Each year, ABP recognizes leaders in the cattle industry for demonstrating sound environmental stewardship practices that contribute to the land while improving productivity and profitability. This year, we were pleased to present Scott and Elan Lees of Soderglen South with the 2021 Environmental Stewardship Award. And good news travels.

• Award-winning ranch builds conservation into its business plan – Alberta Farmer Express
• Alta. company receives environmental stewardship award – Western Producer
• Soderglen South Ranch honoured with Environmental Stewardship Award – Lethbridge News Now
• TESA 25: Soderglen South receives environmental award from Alberta Beef Producers – Canadian Cattlemen

Price Discrepancies

ABP continues to look for solutions to supply chain discrepancies, including competitiveness research and a thorough supply chain review. We have been available to the media on this as well:

• Cattle producers have the beef but aren’t getting the bucks – Alberta Farmer Express
• Beef farmers not sharing in price increases – Postmedia News
• $100 for a rib roast? Yep. Some customers are forking out the cash and driving demand – CBC
• ABP looking into why meat prices are going up while cattle prices are going down – rdnewsNOW
• Producers say beef boom passing them by – Western Producer

Other Opportunities

And of course, we also make time for other opportunities.

In February, then Chair Kelly Smith-Fraser had the opportunity to share a glimpse into her family’s cattle operation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau for Canada’s Ag Day.

ABP celebrates Canada’s Ag Day with Prime Minister Trudeau and Agriculture Minister Bibeau

In June, ABP Chair, Melanie Wowk joined Ryan Sanderson, host of The Eat More Barbecue Podcast. The duo had the chance to discuss: Wowk’s background, the role of Alberta Beef Producers, and, of course, barbecuing. Stream this episode below, or find it on Soundcloud, or through Apple Podcasts.

If you hear Alberta Beef Producers in the news, let us know via email, or one of our social media channels:

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