CCA’s Youth Programs Highlight Canada-USA Trade Relationship During Annual Denver Visit

L-R: CYL Cyle Stewart, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall, Past CYL Diane Van Essen, Past CYL Marianne Sytnyk, CCA Officer Brodie Haugan, Youth Council Delegate Judson Christopherson (SK), CYL Ryan Slingerland, CCA Staff Cailey Church

A small delegation from the Canadian Cattle Association's (CCA) youth programs travelled to Denver, Colorado January 14–17, 2026, to see firsthand the importance of the Canada–USA trade relationship within North America’s highly integrated beef supply chain. 

The annual trip was planned in coordination with the Consulate General of Canada and included representatives from the Canadian Cattle Youth Council (CCYC), Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program (CYL), CCA leadership and CCA staff. Timed to coincide with the National Western Stock Show, the visit provided an immersive learning opportunity for the Canadian beef industry’s next generation of leaders. 

“This trip was an excellent opportunity for our industry’s future leaders to learn more about trade between Canada and the United States and to begin forging their own relationships with counterparts south of the boarder,” noted CCA Officer Brodie Haugan. “We extend our sincere thanks to the Consulate General of Canada in Denver for developing a strong program and providing financial support to help make this experience possible.”  

Throughout the trip, participants took part in industry meetings, site visits, and networking events aimed at strengthening alliances, advancing Canada’s advocacy priorities, and fostering collaboration between the Canadian and American beef industries. Conversations emphasized the shared challenges and opportunities that arise from a deeply interconnected trade relationship.  

A highlight of the trip included a tour of the Sandstone Ranch, located near a major urban center. Canadian Cattle Youth Council Saskatchewan Delegate Judson Christopherson noted the unique dynamics of ranching so close to a dense population.  

“The density and volume of both people and investment capital with an interest in grasslands is unlike anything I expected,” said Christopherson. “The ownership and operating arrangement on the ranch, combined with constant public access, creates a low-stability environment that many Canadian operators would find challenging. I commend Bob for his patience, flexibility, and willingness to take on the risk in the pursuit of maintaining cattle on the land.” 

Participants also met with Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), for a tour, lunch, and in-depth discussion on industry issues ranging from disease control and grazing management to traceability, policy, and public awareness.  

“This was a chance to openly converse about issues facing the cattle industry and learn how American and Canadian challenges can differ, and what successful responses have looked like,” said Diane Van Essen, a 2021–2022 CYL Participant. “Speaking with someone who has been heavily involved in the industry for over 30 years was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

Another key moment was attending the international reception co-hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Denver and Colorado Department of Agriculture. The event brought together industry leaders, trade experts, and elected officials to celebrate the Canada–US relationship and the role of beef trade in both economies.  

“It was encouraging to see such a strong alignment and commitment to preserving and strengthening trade between our two countries,” said 2025–2026 CYL Participant, Ryan Slingerland. “It reinforced the importance of continued dialogue and advocacy, and I left feeling optimistic about the future of the Canada–U.S. partnership.” 

The delegation also toured the JBS processing facility in Greeley, Colorado, where participants learned about the plant’s history and operations. 

“The tour really hit close to home as we discussed the significance of U.S.–Canada trade and the impact of global tariffs on the Canadian beef supply,” said 2023–2024 CYL participant Marianne Sytnyk.  

On the final morning, the group participated in a roundtable discussion with young leaders of the Colorado Farm Bureau. Conversations covered shared challenges such as grassland conversion, conservation easements, succession planning, policy advocacy, mental health in agriculture, and the importance of communicating the environmental benefits of grazing ruminants.  

“There was a natural connection between our two groups,” said 2025–2026 CYL participant Cyle Stewart. “We could have easily spent all day discussing our challenges and how we plan to overcome them. We left knowing that no matter where we all call home, we face many of the same issues—and we all play a role in supplying a high-quality protein to consumers around the world.” 

The annual trip continues to demonstrate the value of hands-on learning and relationship building for young leaders in the Canadian beef industry. By strengthening our cross-border understanding and collaboration, CCA’s youth programs are helping ensure a strong, united voice for North American beef well into the future.  

Thank you to our sponsors!  

We are grateful to our sponsors who make these learning opportunities a reality. Thank you for supporting the development of the next generation in the Canadian beef industry. 

Thank you to our Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Platinum Partners, Cargill and McDonald's Canada; Foundation Partners, MNP and Elanco; and Gold Partners, Alltech, Farm Credit Canada, and RBC Future Launch.  

Thank you to our Canadian Cattle Youth Council partner associations for your support of the Youth Council: British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Beef Producers, Manitoba Beef Producers, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Quebec Cattle Producers, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, New Brunswick Cattle Producers, Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers and the Canadian Cattle Association. 

Also, a big thank you to the Consulate General of Canada in Denver for your generous funding and support in building this experience for our young leaders.  

Applications for the 2025–2026 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program year are open on our website for ages 18–35 until March 31, 2026. Click here to learn more and apply: Apply to the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program today