"Be Who You Needed": My CYL Journey Through Mentorship, Growth and Giving Back

By Emily Jamieson, 2024–2025 CYL Participant

This past year with the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) program has been nothing short of

transformational. Stepping into the program, there was no way to prepare for just how deeply I’d be

shaped by the experience—not just as a young person in agriculture, but as someone bearing witness to an industry that doesn’t just talk the talk.

Mentorship isn’t a buzzword in Canadian beef. It’s the backbone.

From the moment I was paired with my mentor, Stacey Domolewski, it was evident that this wasn’t

someone who would just offer advice, but would go the extra mile every step of the way. Our “quick”

coffee visits quickly became hours chatting about cows, creativity, finding balance in life, and how to to follow your heart with a business mindset. She’s listened deeply, laughed hard, challenged me kindly, and proved that mentorship is about showing up consistently—not with perfect answers, but with open hands (and snacks, the best snacks).

Here’s the really cool thing about the beef industry—it’s full of people who were once mentored through CYL, and they remember. They remember what it felt like to be seen and supported. And now? They’re the ones teaching, guiding, and cheering the rest of us on. They’ve earned a seat and now they’re busy building a bigger table and pulling up extra chairs. That kind of generational mentorship creates a ripple effect that’s reshaping this industry for the better. They’re leaving the gatekeeping for sorting day.

This open-door approach is creating a ripple effect. As more young people come up through the ranks,

they’re met with support, not skepticism. And because so many mentors once stood in their shoes, there’s a natural willingness to offer guidance, advice, and opportunity. It’s a cycle of giving back that strengthens the entire industry.

There were a few powerful moments standing in rooms full of CYL alumni—leaders now scattered across every sector of the industry—and realizing that they’ve carried the torch forward. They’re helping producers navigate sustainability. They’re advocating for rural mental health. They’re teaching 4-H kids, leading innovation, and showing up every time the industry needs a voice.

And its lead to the realization that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact.

Thanks to the many generous sponsors of the program, our cohort of 16 have been able to attend

conferences, strengthen our networks, and access industry workshops. We are researchers, ranchers,

marketers, and future policymakers. We’ve shared stories, challenges, and our unshakable love for

Canadian beef and our mentorship hasn’t stopped with our official mentors—its come from each other, too.

One of my biggest takeaways this year has been the power of being who you needed. Whether you

grew up surrounded by cattle or came to agriculture later in life, we’ve all had moments of doubt,

overwhelm, or wondering if or where we belong. But now, as I step into the other side of this CYL

experience, I feel this quiet fire to turn around and lift up the next person in line.

As I wrap up my CYL journey, I feel more rooted than ever in this community. The mentorship I’ve

received has grown into a responsibility I carry with pride: to keep showing up, keep teaching, and keep working hard to be a better version of myself.

To future CYL applicants: Apply. Be open. Soak up every second. And when it’s your turn—because it will be your turn—be who you needed.

With deep gratitude,

Emily 💛

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