February 18, 2025
News
Canadian Cattle Young Leaders announces 2024-2025 mentors
The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) program has unveiled the mentors for the 2024-2025 cycle, recognizing industry experts who are dedicating their time and knowledge to support the future leaders of the Canadian beef sector.
Each year, the CYL Program selects 16 participants aged 18-35 from across Canada, offering them opportunities for industry networking, travel, and skill development. A key component of the program is pairing participants with mentors who specialize in their areas of interest within the beef industry for a nine-month mentorship.
This year’s mentorships cover a diverse range of focus areas, including innovative grazing practices, risk management, digital communications and marketing, business planning, industry leadership, policy, livestock handling and welfare, and more.
Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), emphasized the importance of investing in the youth of the industry.
“Supporting the next generation is essential for the long-term success of our industry,” explained Phinney. “We are grateful to all mentors, past and present, for their invaluable contributions in shaping future leaders.”
The formal mentorships began in November 2024 and will conclude in July 2025. Each participant receives a $3,000 budget, an increase of $1,000 from previous years, thanks to additional funding from Cargill, a Platinum Partner. These funds support various learning opportunities, including travel to meet mentors and attend industry events.
The CYL mentorship pairings for 2024-25 are as follows:
- Alice Rooke (CYL), Alexander, MB, paired with Trevor Atchison (Mentor) of Pipestone, MB
- Arlis Hanson (CYL), of Val Marie, SK, paired with Doug Mann (Mentor), of Melville, SK
- Ashley Perepelkin (CYL), of Leslieville, AB, paired with Deanne Young (Mentor), of Breton, AB
- Beatriz Montenegro (CYL), of Picture Butte, AB, paired with Maureen Cousins (Mentor), of Portage La Prairie, MB
- Brianna Elliot (CYL), of Sundre, AB, paired with Melissa Downing (Mentor), of Metiskow, AB
- Brittany Sigfusson (CYL), of Strathmore, AB, paired with Andrea Brocklebank (Mentor), of High River, AB
- Chelsea Allan (CYL), of Ottawa, ON, paired with Tim and Donna Prior (Mentors), of Huron County, ON
- Emily Jamieson (CYL), of Brooks, AB, paired with Stacey Domolewski (Mentor), of Maple Creek, SK
- Erik Nottveit (CYL), of Calgary, AB, paired with Chad Meunier (Mentor), of Barrhead, AB
- Janelle Graham (CYL), of Olds, AB, paired with Nicole Neubauer (Mentor), of Medicine Hat, AB.
- Jayse Wilson (CYL), of Strathmore, AB, paired with Katie Songer (Mentor), of Rocky Mountain House, AB
- Josh Sanden (CYL), of Craik, SK, paired with Kyle Hebert (Mentor), of Wawotka, SK.
- Laura Buss (CYL), of Westlock, AB, paired with Erika Stewart (Mentor), of Morse, SK
- Levi Hurlburt (CYL) of Saskatoon, SK, paired with Derrell Peel (Mentor), of Stillwater, OK
- Taylor Iwasiuk (CYL), of High Prairie, AB paired with Kim and Daniel Doerksen (Mentors), of Gem, AB
- William Gamache (CYL), of Westwold, B.C., paired with Sean McGrath (Mentor), of Vermilion, AB