The Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program has announced the semi-finalists for the upcoming 2023-2024 program year.
Established in 2010, the CYL Program welcomes people ages 18-35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain and connects them with industry leaders to provide unique mentorship, and offers training and professional and personal development opportunities.
Semi-finalists were selected by a judging panel from over 70 submitted written applications. The group are now invited to attend the annual CYL Selections Competition taking place August 15, 2023, during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, Alta. The semi-finalists will participate in judged roundtable discussions on timely beef industry related topics to compete for a spot in the upcoming program year.
The 2023 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:
British Columbia: Brett Squair (Lumby), Cassie Marchand (Vernon), and Kayla Shallard (Hixon)
Alberta: Adeleen Bolduc (Stavely), Ashley Nicholls (Foothills County), Blaire Sawyer (Pine Lake), Brayden Schmidt (Didsbury), Coleman Nixdorff (Rocky View County), Denay Bjornson (Wanham), Erick Santos (Edmonton), Karlene Yakemchuk (Hairy Hill), Rob Ziegler (Okotoks), Shae Wasyliw (High River) and Zoe Gould (Consort)
Saskatchewan: Brooke Martin (Piapot) and Levi Hurlburt (Moose Jaw)
Manitoba: Kristelle Harper (Brandon) and Marianne Sytnyk (Oakburn)
Ontario: Carolyn Darling (Castleton), Emily Bromley (Renfrew), Kaley Mackie Rodman (Northern Bruce Peninsula)
Quebec: Laurie Côté-Sarrazin (Clerval), Patrick Sullivan (Gracefield)
Nova Scotia: Susan Hamilton (Truro)
“Congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding applicants. CCA’s board and staff applaud each of you for your eagerness to learn and grow within the beef industry.” says Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the agriculture industry, and our future is dependent on investing in our young leaders.”
Following the competition, the selected finalists will be matched with an industry leader in their specific area of interest in the beef industry for a nine-month mentorship opportunity. They will also be granted a $2,000 budget to fund their engagement in various industry events and learning opportunities throughout the year, with additional travel and networking opportunities throughout the program year.
Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is made possible by Cargill, MNP, McDonald’s Canada, New Holland, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, RBC Future Launch and Elanco.
