The Western Stock Growers Association has voted to withdraw its support from the Livestock Inspection Services that will handle the privatization of brands in Alberta.
The decision was made at a July 24 stock growers’ board meeting where members cited concern over the newly created agency having to borrow about $850,000 for its startup.
The agency was disappointed it did not receive $8 million the province collected on the sale of lifetime brand registrations in the last five years. That money went into general revenue.
The stock growers are also concerned the agency will be dealing with unionized brand inspectors.
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Still negotiating
Agency chair Dale Wilson said the other livestock groups involved are also concerned about starting the agency with a liability.
The issue is still being negotiated with the province and he hopes to reach a settlement where the agency can start debt-free.
The agency’s start-up date was pushed back to Nov. 1 to iron out these issues.
Wilson said he doesn’t think the stock growers’ departure will have a domino effect on other members who may decide to leave in frustration as well.
“I’m optimistic that they will be back,” he said.
The board of directors for the privatized brand inspection agency includes members from the Alberta Cattle Commission, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association and Alberta Livestock Dealers Association.
