Western youth selected for Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program

Two western Canadian cattle producers are among the latest participants selected for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program.

Building the next generation of beef industry leaders

CYL is a national mentorship initiative that connects young people in the beef industry with seasoned leaders to help build skills, networks, and confidence for the future of Canadian beef.

Taylor Iwasiuk focuses on forage-based genetics

Taylor Iwasiuk, from High Prairie, Alta., grew up on her family’s mixed commercial, purebred and grasser operation in the Peace Region. Her passion for agriculture was fostered through youth involvement in 4-H, as well as the Alberta Junior Angus and Hereford Associations.

A graduate of both Lakeland College and the University of Saskatchewan, Iwasiuk now helps run her family’s commercial Black Angus herd, focusing on low-maintenance, forage-based genetics. She has worked with the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, in the crop sector, and currently with a feed company in north-central Alberta.

Iwasiuk’s mentors in the program are Daniel and Kimberly Doerkson, who operate Gemstone Cattle Company and Gemstone Grass Beef near Gem, Alta. The Doerksons run both purebred and commercial herds, a 4,000-head feedlot, and direct market around 800 head of grass-finished beef each year.

William Gamache focuses on genetics and herd development

William Gamache, from Lumby, B.C., grew up on a small cow-calf operation in Westwold. After earning his red seal as a heavy-duty technician, he and his wife purchased their own farm and are building a commercial Black Angus herd.

Gamache’s mentorship focus is on genetics, guided by Sean McGrath, a Vermilion, Alta.-based rancher and genetics consultant who operates a fifth-generation ranch and has contributed to national genetic improvement programs.

Mentorship at the core of the CYL experience

The CYL Program offers participants professional development opportunities, networking, and mentorship over a nine-month period. Participants are selected through an annual application and interview process, with support from program sponsors across the beef value chain.

Learn more on the CYI website.