Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program names its 2022 semi-finalists

May 17, 2022

Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program is pleased to announce its 24 semi-finalists for the upcoming 2022-2023 program year.

The CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18-35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain and seeks to build the next generation of industry leaders through mentorship and various professional and personal development opportunities.

After conducting the competition virtually for the past two years, CYL Selections will be making an exciting return to the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, BC on August 16, 2022. At CYL Selections, semi-finalists will compete for one of 16 spots in the upcoming CYL program year by participating in judged roundtable discussions on timely beef industry related topics.

“It’s important to have programs like this in our industry to give our young people the tools and resources they need to succeed,” said CCA President, Reg Schellenberg. “Their ideas and optimism on industry challenges and opportunities inspire our work to make sure we’re building a successful way of life for generations to come.”

The semi-finalists are selected by a judging panel from submitted written applications. The 2022 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:

  • British Columbia: Morgan Kitchen (Vanderhoof), Raelynn Blumhagen (Jaffray)
  • Alberta: Austin Ashbacher (Arrowwood), Carling Matejka (Ponoka), Delanie Knull (Crossfield), Gleise Medeiros da Silva (Edmonton), Heath Ferguson (Calgary), Jill Renton (Cayley), Morgan Williams (Gibbons), Nicky Nixdorff (Airdrie), Russell Gallelli (Crossfield), Sarah Golby (Youngstown), Shae Wasyliw (High River)
  • Saskatchewan: Brodyn LaBatte (Gladmar), Tyson Ringdal (Outlook)
  • Manitoba: James Kinley (Cartwright), Madison Leonard (Winnipeg), Stefan Bouw (Anola)
  • Ontario: Brittany Sherry (Douro-Dummer), Clairina Paquette (Alliston), Danika Mayer (Alexandria), Holly McGill (Listowel), Madison Lewis (Meaford)
  • Québec: McKenna Richardson (Clarendon)

Following the competition, the 16 CYL finalists are matched with an industry leader in their specific area of interest in the beef industry for a nine-month mentorship opportunity. In addition, they are granted a $2,000 budget to fund their engagement in beef industry events, meeting with their mentor, and learning opportunities throughout the year. 

The CCA congratulates this year’s semi-finalists and wishes them the best of luck during the final round of competition.

About the CYL Program

The CYL Program is a national initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association which provides young people ages 18-35 with industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities. Through networking, travel and mentorship, participants are equipped with the skills they need to further the success of the Canadian beef industry. Since being established in 2010, the program has seen over 150 graduates.

For further information, please contact:

Michelle McMullen
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca

www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com

For a PDF of the news release, click here.