2019 was a productive year for the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, with several successes in government advocacy and industry collaboration.
ACFA’s year-end highlights were celebrated at the association’s annual general meeting on March 4, held in conjunction with the 2020 Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Red Deer, Alta.
Janice Tranberg, ACFA’s CEO, reported that one of 2019’s main priorities was to better understand the issues faced by its members and their perspectives in an effort to better advocate for them.
Among the past year’s accomplishments were activities aligned with AFCA’s strategic plan, including an increased social media presence and providing information to other beef industry organizations. ACFA’s government advocacy efforts included more than 35 meetings with senior officials, ministers and chiefs of staff.
Read Also
Condolences to Dennis Johnston’s loved ones on his passing
Dennis Harry Johnston of Johnston Angus at Conquest, Sask., passed away on June 6, 2025, with family by his side….
Collaboration between ACFA and Alberta Beef Producers continues to be a priority, with an update on these efforts presented at the AGM. Currently, a working group made up of three directors from each organization, plus a management representative, meets to help ensure the industry speaks with one voice in its advocacy efforts, while also highlighting issues specific to cattle feeders. Examples of these collaborative efforts include joint meetings with government officials, establishing election priorities and partnering in the University of Calgary’s new Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education.
Two resolutions were passed by the membership during the AGM. The first resolution was that ACFA lobby industry stakeholders and government officials to establish a barley futures contract for Western Canada. The second was that the association persuade both the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency and the Canadian beef industry as a whole to implement ultra-high frequency tags instead of the existing lower-frequency RFID tags widely in use.
Six members were acclaimed to the ACFA board of directors: Jake Bueckert, Karleen Clark, John Schooten, Greg Schmidt, Jeff Smith and Tom Thorlakson. Each position is a two-year term.
