Alberta Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier was at the Cargill processing plant yesterday to view operations.

He says he has never been to the site so it was a great opportunity to visit and discuss the beef industry in Alberta.

"It gave me an opportunity to tour the site and as well to discuss some of their opportunities and challenges around getting enough labor. They have a turn over like every business does but in that type of business they have a turnover that's actually less than most operations in the country, so that part is going well."

He says there has been good news recently regarding markets around the world opening their doors to Alberta beef like Mexico and adds just last week Taiwan did the same.

Carlier says things are looking good in the industry and adds open farm days that go August 20 - 21 throughout the province is a great opportunity for Albertans to see for themselves.

He says there's even more reason to be optimistic when it comes to the beef industry in Alberta.

"We've had some really good news on that front recently. Mexico has opened up their markets more to our beef exports which is great news and just last week Taiwan did the same. Things are looking really good for our agriculture industry including beef and if we can open up those markets as much as we can it'll be all that much better."

He says the facility processes around 5,000 head of cattle per day and ship to some familiar locations.

"They supply almost 100% for instance of the beef for McDonald's which is processed right here in Alberta, all McDonald's beef patties are processed here. They also ship a pretty good chunk to the United States, Mexico, Japan, China and many African countries. they ship pretty much all around the world."

For more information on Open Farm Days click here:Albert Open Farm Days