U.S. Borders Could Open Next Year

[BFW]

Farmers Son, sorry about that I pushed the wrong button. To continue, as for promotion I think that we need to focus less on actually advertising our product and more on developing programs like "quality Starts Here" for example anfd other food safety and quality related programs that will allow us to create the "story" that we will use promote the Alberta industry both at home and abroad. I think that we should also continue with some of the food service and retail programs that are currently in place. They seem to be effective from all accounts. As for the check-off, there is no question in my mind that the ABP should take a long hard look at making it refundable. I know that many current ABP supporters will differ here, but when I hear people ask "what has the ABP been doing for us, and where has the leadership been on this issue", I am certain that the ABP will be a stronger organization down the road if producers have the opportunity to voice their support or displeasure with their check-off dollars. It will be the ultimate measure of accountability that producers are looking for.

[cowman]

Whiteface: Sorry but my bull buying days are over and while I might still have a bit of nostalgia for Herefords, my son certainly doesn't.
Actually I raised horned Herefords and would never have considered a polled bull. Not because I liked horns as such but because the polled and horned versions of Hereford cattle were like night and day?
Today most of our cattle are polled due to Angus, polled Char and polled Sim influence. I still to this day believe the polled cattle are lacking the bone of a horned animal, but that is just a personal opinion and I'm sure not backed by science? One thing I don't like about a polled bull is their floppy sheath.
I've never had a problem with horned calves. Just a little paste or clip them off at vaccinating time.

[cowman]

Cowman - ya like that bone in cattle do ya? What the heck does that mean anyway?


BFW - you say "I will strongly support the industry council as I believe that a well rounded board representing a broad range of the beef and cattle industry will serve us all better in the end."

I wish this statement would have been part of your speach.

I think that a step like this is one more nail in the coffin for the "so called" democratic structure of ABP. If you want an industry council, let those folks run in the election like you and I had to. Then form a committee, just like the technical committee or the "Shirley's shoes" committee, or whatever committee stikes the board that day.

I personaly don't even think that the feeder council should be structured without first having general elections.
Does not the federal or provincial government choose representatives for portfolio's after these people have been chosen in a general election.

I don't really mind the idea of mandatory checkoff, as it is a small price to pay if and when ABP, CCA does a good job of working for the producers.
Accountability in a democratic process comes by way of election; screw with this democratic process and maybe your idea of voluntary checkoff is your only option.

I am glad you got in Jeff, and yes I voted for you. Your words impressed me more than any others (except my own of course). I think you are on track with thoughts of working together as an industry but feel you have a huge task ahead to make this happen. The packers have shown no interest in working with the rest of the industry for a long time now, but it is a utopia we can all dream of.