Canadian Cattle Youth Council Semi-Annual Recap

Canadian Cattle Youth Council

The Canadian Cattle Youth Council (CCYC) held its Semi-Annual Meeting last week in Ottawa, Ontario, in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) Annual General Meeting. This was a great opportunity for our up-and-coming industry leaders to engage, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of Canada's beef sector. Although the CCYC typically participates in the Youth Fly-In days where council members have the chance to meet with Members of Parliament (MPs) and lend a youth perspective to the CCA's lobbying efforts, this year presented a challenge. Due to the prorogation of the Canadian Parliament, the planned meetings with MPs were not possible. Nevertheless, the council adapted their approach, turning their focus toward valuable learning and development experiences that would enhance their understanding of the political and lobbying processes.

The day began with an engaging and informative tour of the West Block, guided by Hannah Zeidman, a staff member for MP Rachael Thomas. The tour offered the council members an inside look at the workings of Parliament Hill, giving them a greater appreciation for the structure and processes that shape Canadian governance. The Council had the special opportunity to sit in a committee room where they participated in a mock committee meeting as witnesses. This simulation allowed them to practice communication and advocacy skills in a formal political setting, preparing them for real-life interactions with policymakers in the future.

CCYC members in committee room

Following the tour, the CCYC visited the CCA’s Ottawa office, where they received an insightful presentation from Jennifer Babcock who shared valuable tips on how to be an effective lobbyist, discussing essential preparation steps and offering personal anecdotes from her own experiences. Her presentation provided the council members with practical knowledge on how to approach lobbying efforts, how to communicate with politicians and stakeholders, and how to make a compelling case for the agricultural sector. Later in the day, they were able to apply what they had learned through the tour and presentation and interact with some of our Directors for mock MP meetings.

CCYC members engage in mock MP meetings

In addition to these learning opportunities, the CCYC took the time to engage with members of the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for the two councils to share their priorities and explore potential opportunities for collaboration. The discussions highlighted common goals among youth leaders in Canadian agriculture, such as advocating for sustainable practices and enhancing the economic viability of the industry. Both councils recognized the importance of working together to strengthen the agricultural sector and to ensure that the youth voice continues to play a key role in shaping policy and industry development.

Canadian Agriculture Youth Council Meeting

During the Semi-Annual Meeting itself, the council engaged in thought-provoking discussions on critical issues facing the Canadian cattle industry. One major topic was economic stability and strategies for growing the national cow herd. The council also reviewed the Youth Strategy for the National Beef Strategy, assessing progress made to date and identifying areas that require further work. This benchmarking exercise allowed council members to reflect on the goals that were set and strategize on how to move forward in addressing the remaining components of the strategy.

The meeting marked another milestone in the Youth Council’s ongoing efforts to engage youth in the future of agriculture and to build the next generation of leaders within the cattle industry. By combining hands-on learning with valuable networking opportunities, the council members left Ottawa with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the political landscape, advocate for their industry, and drive positive change in the agriculture sector.