Check-off at Work | Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program Applications Now Open

Young people looking to advance their careers in the Canadian beef industry through unique mentorship, networking and travel opportunities can now apply for the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s CYL Program is a national initiative designed to equip young people ages 18-35 with the skills they need to further the success of the Canadian beef industry. Established in 2010, the program has seen over 120 graduates paired with a mentor to help propel their careers in their specific area of interest within the beef cattle sector.

Each year, applications are open from the beginning of January to the end of March, where 24 semifinalists are then selected from an impressive pool of applicants from across the country involved in various parts of the beef industry such as cow-calf production, feedlot production, research, postsecondary studies, finance, communications and more. Semi-finalists are invited to compete in the annual CYL Selections event held in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Participants are judged in roundtable discussions centred around timely industry topics. From this event, 16 program participants are chosen to participate in the program and are paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship opportunity in the participant’s specified area of interest in the beef industry. Participants also receive $2,000 to use towards learning opportunities of their choosing. Along with industry networking opportunities, participants often form strong relationships within their peer group in the program who are equally passionate about the success of the Canadian beef industry and serve as meaningful contacts and friendships for years to come.

If you’re a young person looking to take your career in the beef industry to the next level, or you know of a young industry leader who would excel in this program, please visit our website at www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com to learn more and apply. You can also watch our 10th Anniversary video below to find out more about the opportunities available through the program.

CYL applications for the 2021-22 program year are open from January 4, 2021 to March 31, 2021 at 11:59 pm MT.