Source: Canadian Cattle Association
The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program, a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), is pleased to announce its 16 finalists for the 2022-2023 program year.
The annual CYL Selections competition made an exciting return to the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) in Penticton, B.C. on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, after two years of hosting the competition virtually. During the competition, 22 impressive semi-finalists from across Canada, and involved in various roles within the beef supply chain, competed for a spot in the CYL Program through judged roundtable discussions. The finalists will be awarded a $2,000 budget to put towards beef industry travel and learning opportunities of their choice and be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship in their specific area of interest.
Through the Selections competition, semi-finalists rotated through discussions with their peers at five roundtables, each facilitated and judged by representatives from the CYL Program’s generous sponsors. Semi-finalists put their skills to the test through thought provoking discussions about timely topics in the beef industry such as succession planning, animal health innovation and production efficiencies, adopting new technology, beef sustainability, growing market share and much more.
Photo supplied by B.C. P.hoto
CCA congratulates all semi-finalists who did an exemplary job showcasing their knowledge and passion for the Canadian beef industry. The 2022 finalists, in no particular order, are:
• British Columbia: Morgan Kitchen (Vanderhoof), Raelynn Blumhagen (Jaffray)
• Alberta: Austin Ashbacher (Arrowwood), Carling Matejka (Ponoka), Delanie Ferguson (Crossfield), Gleise Medeiros da Silva (Edmonton), Heath Ferguson (Calgary), Jill Renton (Cayley), Nicky Nixdorff (Airdrie), Russell Gallelli (Crossfield)
• Saskatchewan: Tyson Ringdal (Outlook)
• Manitoba: James Kinley (Cartwright), Stefan Bouw (Anola)
• Ontario: Danika Mayer (Alexandria), Holly McGill (Listowel), Madison Lewis (Meaford)
CBIC also marked an exciting milestone as the 2021-2022 CYL participants graduated the program and were awarded their certificates at the opening reception. Since established in 2010, the CYL Program has seen over 160 graduates go on to excel in various leadership roles throughout the beef supply chain.
The CYL Program would like to thank its Foundation Partners, Cargill, McDonald’s Canada, MNP, and New Holland, and Gold Sponsors, Farm Credit Canada, Elanco, RBC Future Launch, and Alltech for their generous support. These learning and networking opportunities offered through the program would not be possible without their investment and active involvement in program activities.
About the CYL Program
The CYL Program is a national initiative of the Canadian Cattle 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. For more information, visit www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com.
