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ABP Operations

The 2010/2011 $5,635,000 operating budget allocates funds based upon priority areas as follows:

National Policy and Trade Advocacy Programs
ABP recognizes the challenges facing our industry; National policy and trade advocacy initiatives will continue with all levels of government, U.S. and international markets.
Expenses included in this area include:

• The cost of being a part of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). CCA has eight provincial members that all contribute to fund the organization’s operational activities; each provinces share is based upon the number of marketings.
• The cost for ABP elected representatives to provide governance and oversight on a national perspective to CCA and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency (National Agency; the national research, marketing and promotion agency.
• The cost of provincial activities related to enhanced federal lobbying, U.S. and international trade management.

Board and Delegate Expenses, ABP Governance and Provincial Initiatives
This area represents the costs of having a democratic organization including:

• having an elected board of directors and an executive committee
• issuing an annual report
• holding annual meetings
• holding provincial fall meetings to elect ABP delegates, to encourage two-way communication and to initiate the resolutions policy setting process
• zone activities and zone communications
• membership to CANFAX so ABP can provide market information free of charge to Alberta producers
• support for organizations such as AFAC and Cows and Fish, organizations who’s goals that align with ABP’s mandate
• support the youth of our industry with 4–H scholarships

Council, Committee, Staff and Project Expenses
ABP business is conducted through the Board of Directors, Councils, Committees or working groups depending upon specific needs and/or issues of the day. This budget area reflects funds allocated to ongoing endeavors such as promotion, research, communications stewardship and animal health. Within these areas, ABP will continue to work for market access; to provide leadership on research initiatives and environmental policy; and to promote the Alberta beef industry’s image. ABP’s structure will enable the Board of Directors and delegates to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues, thereby ensuring the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of our industry for the benefit of Alberta beef producers. The amount budgeted also includes the costs associated with having staff in these program areas.

• Cattle Feeder Council (CFC)
  CFC was established to examine and address issues of importance and concern from a cattle feeder perspective or pertaining to cattle feeders and establish priorities for action, make recommendations about the allocation of resources, advise the ABP Board about issues pertaining to the cattle feeder sector and facilitate communications with other cattle organizations. The Council is concerned with all political and environmental issues that could affect the competitiveness of the cattle feeding sector. They have an objective to ensure that policies, regulations and actions implemented by ABP, other agricultural organizations and government bodies support the interests of cattle feeders.
• Cattle Industry Council (CIC)
  CIC was established in 2005 to provide industry stakeholders, who did not meet the criteria being a producer, with an environment to bring broad industry issues to the ABP Board of Directors and to enhance communications between all industry sectors. The Council is an environment for industry participants to communicate on issues which impact their organizations.
• Cow/Calf Council (CCC)
  The Cow/Calf Council was established in 2008 to examine and address issues from a cow/calf perspective or pertaining to cow/calf producers and establish priorities for action, make recommendations about the allocation of resources, advise the ABP Board about issues pertaining to the cow/calf sector and facilitate communications with other cattle organizations. The Council is concerned with all political and environmental issues that could affect the competitiveness of the cow/calf sector. They have an objective to ensure that policies, regulations and actions implemented by ABP, other agricultural organizations and government bodies support the interests of cow/calf producers.

Office, Legal and Financial Administration
Includes the cost of have staff, an office, office supplies, equipment; legal counsel and audited financial statements.