2026 Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award recipient announced

The Canadian Cattle Foundation (the Foundation) presented the annual Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award to Cyle Stewart of Morse, Saskatchewan, to support the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program. Vice President of the Foundation Lynn Grant and CCA Director Garner Deobald presented the award at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.

In December 2022, Reg Schellenberg, President of the Canadian Cattle Association, suddenly passed away. In lieu of flowers, the Schellenberg family requested that donations be made through the Canadian Cattle Foundation to support the Canadian CYL Program.

The Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the values Reg Schellenberg was known for — humble leadership, a commitment to mentorship, a spirit of collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the Canadian cattle industry.

CYLs were encouraged to nominate one of their peers for the award based on criteria built with the Schellenberg family, including but not limited to being a positive, humble leader with the ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal, and being an overall exceptional ambassador of the Canadian beef industry. Interviews were conducted with the top nominees to select this year’s recipient.

“Reg’s commitment to supporting the next generation of the Canadian beef industry was evident throughout his life and career. He believed strongly in creating opportunities for future leaders, and his influence continues to be felt across the country,” said John Arnold, Chair of the Foundation.

“This award reflects values that were important to Reg throughout his life; leadership, learning, and giving back. Our family is honoured to see Reg’s dedication to the cattle industry and the next generation remembered through this award and appreciate everyone involved in carrying his legacy forward,” said Shannon Schellenberg, Reg’s wife.

Through this fund, each year a CYL graduate is selected to receive the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. To recognize the exceptional qualities and contributions of the nominee, the judging committee selects an outstanding young leader who embodies the same dedication and leadership for the Canadian beef sector that Reg displayed. The award includes a travel bursary to attend the 2027 Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference along with a belt buckle donated by the Schellenberg family ranch, Perrin Ranching 1990 Ltd.