Canadian Cattle Young Leaders names its 2024 Program semi-finalists

The Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program is pleased to announce its semi-finalists for the upcoming 2024-2025 program year.

Established by CCA in 2010, the Canadian CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18-35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain. The Canadian CYL Program aims to build the next generation of industry leaders by providing unique mentorship, training, and professional and personal development opportunities in the Canadian beef industry.

Semi-finalists were selected by a judging panel from impressive written applications submitted from across the country. Applications are available annually from early January to the end of March on the Canadian CYL Program website.

Semi-finalists are invited to attend the annual CYL Selections Competition on August 20, 2024, during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon, SK. 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.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding applicants who have shown exceptional dedication to building your future in the Canadian beef industry. We look forward to meeting our semi-finalists later this summer and hearing the fresh ideas they will bring to the table,” said CCA President, Nathan Phinney.

The 2024 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:

• British Columbia: William Gamache (Lumby). 

• Alberta: Ashley Perepelkin (Condor), Beatriz Montenegro (Picture Butte), Brianna Gratton (Sundre), Brittany Sigfusson (Strathmore), Clayton Andrew (Youngstown), Denay Bjornson (Wanham), Emily Jamieson (Duchess), Eric Tarrant (High River), Erik Nottveit (Calgary), Janelle Graham (Olds), Jayse Wilson (Strathmore), Karin Roen (Oyen), Kiara Porteous (Bow Island), Laura Buss (Millarville), Ridwan Sanni (Calgary), Taylor Iwasiuk (High Prairie),
• Saskatchewan: Arlis Hanson (Val Marie), Joshua Sanden (Craik), Levi Hurlburt (Moose Jaw), Shaun McDougald (Maple Creek).
• Manitoba: Alice Rooke (Alexander).
• Ontario: Chelsea Allen (Cumberland).
• Quebec: Ellen Rice-Hogan (Venosta).

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 travel budget to fund engagement in various industry events, networking experiences, and learning opportunities throughout the program year.

These exceptional opportunities would not be possible without the generous support of program Platinum Partner, McDonald’s Canada; Foundation Partners, Cargill, MNP, Elanco, and New Holland; and Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, and RBC Future Launch.

About the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) welcomes young people ages 18-35 across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain, to be paired with an industry leader in their specific area of interest for a nine-month mentorship. Through mentorship, networking, and travel, the Canadian CYL Program acts as an industry succession planning tool to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue to drive the growth and profitability of the Canadian beef industry. Since established by the Canadian Cattle Association in 2010, the program has seen over 180 CYL graduates. Program applications are open annually for ages 18-35 on our website from early January to the end of March. Learn more at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.