2025 CYL Graduation

On September 8–11, 2025, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomed 16 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program graduates to their semi-annual meeting in Levis, Quebec. 

The Canadian CYL program highlighted its impressive graduates as they crossed the stage to be recognized. This year’s graduates mark 15 years since the program's inception in 2010—a decade and a half of mentorship, growth, connection, and unwavering commitment to the future of the Canadian beef industry. 

The Canadian CYL program handed out the third Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. This year’s recipient was Brianna Elliot from Sundre, Alberta. To read the full news release, click HERE. 

Brianna Elliot receives the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award from CCA Past President Nathan Phinney

This year's CYL graduates include: 

• Alice Rooke (MB) mentored by Trevor Atchison  

• Arlis Hanson (SK) mentored by Doug Mann 

• Ashley Perepelkin (AB) mentored by Deanne Young 

• Beatriz Montenegro (AB) mentored by Maureen Cousins 

• Brianna Elliot (AB) mentored by Melissa Downing 

• Brittany Sigfusson (AB) mentored by Andrea Brocklebank 

• Chelsea Allan (ON) mentored by Tim and Donna Prior 

• Emily Jamieson (AB) mentored by Stacey Domolewski 

• Erik Nottveit (AB) mentored by Chad Meunier 

• Janelle Graham (AB) mentored by Nicole Neubauer 

• Jayse Wilson (AB) mentored by Katie Songer 

• Joshua Sanden (SK) mentored by Kyle Hebert 

• Laura Buss (AB) mentored by Erika Stewart 

• Levi Hurlburt (SK) mentored by Derrell Peel 

• Taylor Iwasiuk (AB) mentored by Daniel and Kimberly Doerksen 

• William Gamache (BC) mentored by Sean McGrath  

Throughout the program year, graduates worked with a mentor in their specific area of interest in the Canadian beef industry for a nine-month period, utilized $3,000 allocated to fund their various industry travel and learning opportunities, and completed grad requirements including the Verified Beef Production Plus Training and the Beef Advocacy Canada course. To view the full participant and mentor bios, visit the Participant Spotlight page at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.  

The celebration also welcomed the 2025 CYL semi-finalists to the stage who attended to participate in the annual CYL Selections competition that took place on Tuesday, September 9.  

The rest of the week, the youth participants took part in sessions on advocacy, leadership, and mentorship which was a great opportunity to learn and connect with their peers.   

On September 18, we announced the 16 finalists that were selected from the 24 competing semi-finalists. The 2025 finalists, from west to east, are: 

• Alberta: Arturo Macias Franco (Edmonton); Cache Schiller (Flatbush); Charlotte Wasylik (Derwent); Denay Bjornson (Wanham); Ellie Stauffer (Pincher Creek); Gautier Henaff (Turin); Justin Rosadiuk (Evansburg); Jarret Nelson (Hemaruka); Marissa Lemay (High River); Ryan Slingerland (Lethbridge); Tyler Bentley (Erskine) 

• Saskatchewan: Cyle Stewart (Morse) 

• Ontario: Abbey Taylor (Belmont) 

• Quebec: Ellen Rice-Hogan (Venosta) 

• Nova Scotia: Caylene Manning (Falmouth) 

• Prince Edward Island: Jillian Ferguson (Spring Valley) 

Read the press release here. 

The CCA's Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is made possible through the generous support of Platinum Partners, McDonald’s Canada, and Cargill; Foundation Partners, MNP, New Holland, and Elanco; and Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, and RBC Future Launch. 

About the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program 

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 more than 200 CYL graduates. Program applications are open annually for ages 18–35 on our website from early January through the end of March. Learn more at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.