Source: Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program, a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), is pleased to announce the 16 finalists for the 2021-2022 program year.
The final selection took place through a virtual competition held on August 30, 2021 where 23 impressive semi-finalists from across Canada competed for a spot in the CYL Program through judged discussions. The finalists will be awarded a $2,000 travel budget and be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship in their specific area of interest.
Through the virtual selections event, semi-finalists participated in roundtable discussions by breaking off into smaller virtual meetings each facilitated and judged by CYL Foundation Partners, Cargill, McDonald’s Canada, MNP, and New Holland, and Gold Sponsors, Farm Credit Canada, RBC Future Launch and Alltech. Semi-finalists put their skills to the test through thought provoking discussions about timely topics in the beef industry such as advancements in sustainability, communicating the positive contributions of the beef industry, farm operation benchmarking and financial skills, farm equipment right to repair legislation, the economic, social and environmental return of ag businesses, and much more.
The CCA congratulates all semi-finalists who did an exemplary job showcasing their knowledge and passion for the Canadian beef industry. The 2021 finalists in no particular order are:
– British Columbia: Julia Flinton (Williams Lake), Amanda Miller (Lumby), Janine Rubin (Rose Prairie)
– Alberta: Diane Van Essen (Picture Butte), Nikki Olson (Red Deer County), Rheanne Ritchie (Didsbury), Laura Macrae (Westlock), Tia Schram (Bruderheim), Melissa Gablehaus (Rochester)
– Saskatchewan: Brock Larson (Simmie), Holly Sparrow (Vanscoy), Logan Houff (Eston)
– Ontario: Emily Potter (Earlton), Laura Scott (Oxford Mills)
– Québec: Victor Drury (La Pêche)
– Newfoundland and Labrador: Darren Dinsmore (Goose Bay)
As this new group of young leaders enters the program, the 2019 and 2020 CYL cohorts will be graduating at the end of September through a virtual graduation event held with their peers and mentors celebrating their hard-earned achievements. Since established in 2010, the CYL Program has seen over 120 graduates go on to excel in various leadership roles throughout the beef supply chain.
About the CYL Program
The CYL Program is a national initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association which provides young people ages 18-35 with industry specific training and mentorship opportunities. Through networking, travel and mentorship, participants are equipped with the skills they need to further the success of the Canadian beef industry in the future.
