The Alberta Beef Producers organization has fired its general manager, Gary Sargent.
Sargent joined the organization 14 years ago and left Oct. 1.
“The decision was made in the best interests of both parties,” said association chair Arno Doerksen.
A new manager will be sought and in the meantime the organization’s executive is overseeing operations at the Calgary head office.
As the BSE crisis continues into its 18th month with no resolution in sight, dissatisfaction is swelling among producers who fund their industry organizations with check-off dollars.
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Fall meetings start at the end of October and producers are expected to be vocal, said Doerksen.
“There is no question people are frustrated with the situation we are in. That is the place where people can say what they need to say,” he said.
“We are at a time in history where people are frustrated and they have a right to be. Nobody likes how this has played out.”
Agriculture industry consultant Ralph Ashmead said the entire food producing industry is in crisis and people are starting to question whether their farm organizations are relevant.
“Everyone is all well meaning but is our organizational infrastructure adequate and appropriate?” Ashmead said. “What changes need to be made for it to cope and become a facilitator of change?”
