CYLs Take on the Calgary Stampede
- CYL
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The 2026 Calgary Stampede, held July 3–12, once again brought together leaders, producers, industry partners, and agricultural advocates from across the country. Throughout the 10-day celebration, Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) alumni and current participants were actively involved in a variety of events, taking advantage of valuable networking opportunities while celebrating the people and partnerships that drive Canada's beef industry forward.
From industry receptions and stakeholder roundtables to educational tours and producer-focused events, Stampede provided the perfect platform for learning, connecting, and collaborating.
Highlights of the ABP Stampede Summit
On July 6, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) hosted its fifth annual Stampede Summit, bringing together producers, industry representatives and government officials for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating and advancing Alberta’s beef industry.
Attendees were among the first to congratulate the recipients of Alberta’s Environmental Stewardship Award. These outstanding producers will now move forward as Alberta’s nominees for CCA’s national The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), which will be presented during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August.
The event also featured remarks from several prominent leaders, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer, Alberta Minister of Affordability and Utilities RJ Sigurdson, ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh, and Canadian Cattle Association President Tyler Fulton . Their messages highlighted the resilience, innovation, and importance of Canada’s beef sector and the important role that Alberta plays.
CYL Roundtable Discussion with Platinum Partners Cargill and McDonalds
Current CYL participants Marissa Lemay (AB) and Jillian Ferguson (PEI), alongside CYL alum Jayse Wilson (AB), met with representatives from Cargill and McDonald’s in Diamond Valley, Alberta, for an engaging roundtable discussion.
The conversation provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences in the industry, discuss the challenges facing young producers, and explore potential solutions for strengthening the future of Canadian beef production. The discussion underscored the value of collaboration between industry partners and the next generation.
The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
CYL participant Charlotte Wasylik joined the North American Grazing Lands Congress, a tour that highlighted the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) Tour. She shared her reflections on the experience:
“I had the pleasure of joining the Grazing Congress tour as a CYL and I have to say I had the very best time! Before the tour, I had never really been south of Nanton, so it was really exciting and special to be able to experience the sheer difference in the landscape along with amazing commentary from our tour guides which you wouldn’t get by going yourself.
“And being offered the opportunity to tour some incredible ranches and sites the way we did was just enlightening. So often we are confined to our own land and work, but getting out there and doing things like this within our industry, adds so much perspective, colour, and learning and that make us better people and farmers.
“There were a lot of great things about the day but one of my highlights was hearing Grasshopper and Baird’s Sparrows at the South Porcupine Ranch—two species that are listed as “’special concern’”.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity!”
Charlotte’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of stewardship, lifelong learning, and exploring the diverse landscapes that support Canada’s cattle industry.
Building Connections at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Reception
Several CYL participants also attended the Agriculture and Agri-Food Reception, where they spent the evening connecting with industry leaders and professionals from across the agricultural sector.
The reception provided an excellent opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and gain a broader understanding of the Canadian beef value chain. Through conversations with professionals representing various sectors of the industry, participants expanded their networks and gained valuable insights into the many roles that contribute to the success of Canadian Agriculture.
From meaningful discussions with industry partners to unforgettable tours and networking events, the Calgary Stampede offered countless opportunities for CYL participants and alumni to learn, connect, and grow. As young leaders continue to engage with the people and organizations shaping Canada’s beef sector, experiences like these help strengthen the relationships, knowledge, and leadership skills that will support the industry’s future.
Funding for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is made possible through generous Platinum Partners McDonald’s Canada and Cargill and Foundation Partners Elanco and MNP. The program also receives support from Gold Sponsors 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 200 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.
Photos:
L:R – Past CYL Laura Buss, current CYL Charlotte Wasylik, CCA Youth Coordinator Cailey Church, Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, current CYLs Jillian Ferguson and Ryan Slingerland, aspiring CYL Carmen White at the International Agriculture and Agri-Food Reception at Calgary Stampede.
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