The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA) issued a joint news release on Thursday morning calling for a “timely resolution and the restoration of our essential supply chain.”

Trucks were unable to pass the protest near the border crossing at Coutts, Alberta from Saturday through Wednesday, when a single lane of traffic was opened in either direction.  Those involved say the farm equipment and trucks will move once all COVID-19 measures are lifted. Reports on Thursday morning indicated a second blockade was established 18 kilometres north of the border.

The CCA, ABP and ACFA say every day that cattle, beef and feed are not able to move puts the entire supply chain at risk.

“The unintended consequences of these closures and delays further affect already existing shortages on products like animal feed that have been caused by drought, trade disruptions, and transport issues,” said Greg Schmidt with the ACFA. “Transportation delays can severely impact the beef supply chain from cattle feed to grocery shelves.”

All three cattle groups say blocking the transport of beef to cross border consumers is slowing down processing at plants in Brooks and High River, Alberta.

The President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan also wants to see an end to the road blockades in southern Alberta.

“I don’t know what to think on the protest,” said Ian Boxall, APAS president. “Whatever side of that protest you’re on, but when it starts to affect the livelihoods of other people and the livelihoods of people who actually support that protest,  there is an issue.

Boxall says whatever side of the protest you are on, freight still needs to move through the country.