CYL Graduation 2026
- CYL
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
On August 18-20, 2026, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomed 16 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program graduates to the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Canadian CYL program highlighted its impressive graduates as they crossed the stage to be recognized.
The Canadian CYL program handed out the fourth Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. This year’s recipient was Cyle Stewart from Morse, Saskatchewan. To read the full news release, click here.
This year's CYL graduates include:
Abbey Taylor (ON) mentored by Kim Maloney
Arturo Macias Franco (AB) mentored by Josie Van Lent
Cache Schiller (AB) mentored by Lance & Sheri Leachman
Caylene Manning (NS) mentored by Karine Rekunyk
Charlotte Wasylik (AB) mentored by Emma Butler
Cyle Stewart (SK) mentored by Burke Teichert
Denay Bjornson (AB) mentored by Mike Hittinger
Ellen Rice-Hogan (QB) mentored by Emma Butler
Ellie Stauffer (AB) mentored by Matt & Lacey Gould
Gautier Henaff (AB) mentored by Dallas Rodger
Jarret Nelson (SK) mentored by Mary-Jane Orr
Jillian Ferguson (PEI) mentored by Crystal Mackay
Justin Rosadiuk (AB) mentored by Grant Smith
Marissa Lemay (AB) mentored by Erin DeHaan & Jameson Brennan
Ryan Slingerland (AB) mentored by John Masswohl
Tyler Bentley (AB) mentored by Brad Deleeuw
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 2026 CYL semi-finalists to the stage who attended to participate in the annual CYL Selections competition that took place on Tuesday, August 18.
The rest of the week, the youth participants took part in the Canadian Beef Industry Conference sessions and workshops, networking with other program participants and industry representatives along the way.
On September 1, 2026, we announced the 16 finalists that were selected from the 24 competing semi-finalists. The 2026 finalists, from west to east, are:
British Columbia: Sarah MacDonald (Vanderhoof)
Alberta: Caith Cameron (Didsbury), Andria Carlyon (Dapp), Quinn Devine (Innisfree), Sydney Fortier (Diamond Valley), Derek Friend (Rosalind), Jordyn Prior (Irma), Karin Roen (Oyen), Lauren Stefaniuk (Airdrie), Ralph Thrall IV (Lethbridge)
Saskatchewan: Blythe Clemence (Broadview), Jessica Davey (Southwest of Saskatoon), Olivia Woytiuk (Shell Lake)
Manitoba: Mae Fulton (Birtle)
Ontario: Elizabeth Teel (Listowel)
Quebec: Emilie Blondeau (Princeville)
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, and RBC.
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 220 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.
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