CYL Application & Selections Experience

by Marissa Lemay, 2025–2026 CYL participant

The journey to becoming a Canadian Cattle Young Leader (CYL) is often described as a transformative experience, but that transformation begins long before the 16 finalists are announced. For me, it started with a period of deep self-reflection—looking back at my roots on my family’s feedlot in central Alberta and forward toward my professional goals. Applying for the CYL program is not merely a box-ticking exercise or simply another accomplishment to add to your resume. It’s an intentional effort to define how you, as a young professional, intend to contribute to the long-term resilience of the Canadian beef industry.

The initial application requires moving past a list of accomplishments to present a vision of the industry’s future, and your place within it. My perspective was shaped by growing up learning the practical realities of cattle production, and was refined through professional roles as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and in the corporate animal health sector. These experiences have allowed me to see the industry through a much broader lens, and I’ve realized that while our industry is increasingly data rich, there is still an opportunity to better bridge the gap between technology, data, and practical management decisions. Translating these insights into a vision within my application resonated with the selection committee and ultimately secured my place as one of the 24 semi-finalists advancing to the national stage.

The experience then shifted to the CYL Selections event. We were welcomed to beautiful Levis, Quebec for the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) Semi-Annual Meeting. While the historic skyline of Old Quebec provided a stunning backdrop, the real education happened across the river, in Lévis and the surrounding area. I took the opportunity to participate in the local farm tours, which offered a fascinating contrast to the agricultural world I grew up in. The most impactful realization was that while we are one national industry, the "how" of beef production can look very different depending on which side of the country you’re on.

Quebec City as seen from the ferry across the river from Levis; lush vegetation and old buildings made for a beautiful walk

Snapshots from the Welcome to Quebec Tour

Recognizing these geographic nuances firsthand set the stage for the selections roundtable discussions. The selections process is designed to test your ability to collaborate and communicate under pressure through judged round-table discussions on current industry challenges.

What struck me most during the roundtables was the diversity of thought. My fellow semi-finalists came from a vast array of backgrounds with a unique perspective on our industry, yet I felt that we were all united by a common goal—to propel the beef industry forward. While we were technically competing for 16 spots, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and support. The conversations didn’t end when the roundtables did. They spilled over into the hallways and continued well after the event was over. The other networking opportunities provided by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) were unparalleled. You find yourself in rooms with industry veterans and innovators, all of whom are genuinely interested in your perspective as a young leader.

Snapshots of moments throughout the CYL Selections process in Levis, Quebec

2025–2026 CYL participants

Being selected for the 2025-2026 cohort was a definitive milestone, but the selection process itself taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It’s about the willingness to engage in difficult conversations, and to hear differing perspectives with an open mind. For any young producer or professional considering the program, this application is your chance to plant a flag and decide what kind of impact you want to have on the future of Canadian beef.

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