CYL semi-finalists from Alberta compete at nationals

This article was first published in Volume 5 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (Fall 2025). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily. Editor’s note: both Marissa Lemay (pictured) and Denny Bjornson have now advanced as finalists.

“One of the most powerful things about the CYL program is how it brings together people from different backgrounds, regions, and areas of expertise, all connected by a shared passion for the beef industry,” says Marissa Lemay (pictured), one of the 24 semi-finalists for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) program.

Lemay, along with 14 other Albertans, competed in September for one of the 16 spots for the 2025/26 program year.

The CYL program is a national program of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) that provides young people ages 18–35 with industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities. Each year, 24 semi-finalists are selected from submitted applications and are invited to participate in the selections competition, where they engage in judged roundtable discussions on industry topics. From the semi-finalists, 16 candidates are selected to participate in the Canadian CYL program in which they are matched with an expert in the delegate’s specific field of interest for a nine-month mentorship.

Denay Bjornson, another Alberta semi-finalist, is a primary producer transitioning from a commercial Angus-cross herd to a purebred Speckle Park herd. She was a semi-finalist in 2023 and again last year, but due to a farming accident she was unable to attend selections. When asked about the opportunity to attend this year, she responded, “I’m here again and excited to learn and meet new people! If you get knocked down, dust off, get back up, and keep going. Whether I make finals or not I know I will learn and grow from this experience.”

Denay Bjornson (left) and Marissa Lemay (right)

Lemay grew up on a feedlot and commercial crop operation in central Alberta which developed her passion for cattle health, leading her to pursue a career as a registered veterinary technologist. Working for Merck Animal Health as an account manager, she works with beef producers to find science-driven solutions and innovative tools that help optimize herd performance. As this was her first time applying to the CYL program, she was excited for the unique opportunity to grow professionally and as a leader within the beef industry. She has always had a strong belief that mentorship and strong industry relationships are foundational to progress, both of which the CYL program offers.

This year the semi-finalists from across Canada headed to Levis, Quebec to participate in a roundtable selection event during the CCA semi-annual meetings. Outside of selections, they were immersed in sessions about advocacy, leadership and mentorship with industry professionals.

Before selections were made, Lemay was most looking forward to the energy that came from being surrounded by other young people who care deeply about the beef industry. “Whether it’s learning from fellow participants, hearing from past CYLs, or engaging with industry leaders, selections are sure to offer a chance to be challenged and inspired. It’s a space where big ideas are welcomed, and everyone brings something valuable to the table,” she noted.

Bjornson echoes the same sentiments, saying, “I think the networking alone in this program is very valuable.” The program focus is to grow all aspects of the industry through building connections with mentors as well as the network of more than 200 CYL graduates. The 2024–2025 CYL graduates will also be gathering in Quebec to celebrate their accomplishments over the past year with a graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to the 24 semi-finalists this year and the finalists announced at Selections in September!

For more information about the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program, visit canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca or contact Cailey Church, Youth Leadership Coordinator.

The CYL program benefits from the generous support of program Platinum Partners, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill; Foundation Partners, MNP, Elanco, and New Holland; and Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, and RBC Future Launch.

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