CYL graduates receive their certificates with mentors in attendance at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
On August 15, 2023, the Canadian Cattle Association's (CCA) Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program highlighted its impressive graduates as they crossed the stage to be recognized at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) in Calgary, Alberta.
This year's group of graduating participants from the 2022-2023 program year marks over 180 program graduates from across Canada since the program was established in 2010.
The Canadian CYL Grad also marked the creation of the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. The first recipient of this award is Carling Matejka from Ponoka, AB. To read the full news release, click HERE.
This year's CYL graduates include:
Austin Ashbacher (AB) mentored by Jeff and Lynsay Smith
Danika Mayer (ON) mentored by Sandra Vos
Gleise Medeiros da Silva (AB) mentored by Anne Wasko
Stefan Bouw (MB) mentored by Jerry Doan
Raelynn Blumhagen (BC) mentored by Brad Osadczuk
Carling Matejka (AB) mentored by Amie Peck
Delanie Ferguson (AB) mentored by Clinton Monchuck
Jill Renton (AB) mentored by Andrea Stroeve-Sawa
Madi Lewis (ON) mentored by Jack Chaffe
Nicky Nixdorff (AB) mentored by Sheila Jensen
Morgan Kitchen (BC) mentored by John and Deanne Chuiko
Holly McGill (ON) mentored by Shannon Borden
James Kinley (MB) mentored by Shylo Penrod
Russel Gallelli (AB) mentored by Mike Panasiuk
Tyson Ringdal (SK) mentored by Gord Roger
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 $2,000 allocated to fund their various industry travel and learning opportunities, and completed grad requirement such as 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 CBIC celebration also welcomed the 2023 CYL semi-finalists to the stage who attended the conference to participate in the annual CYL Selections competition that took place earlier in the day. Sixteen of the 24 competing semi-finalists will be awarded a spot as a finalist in the upcoming program year.
We look forward to announcing the 2023 CYL finalists in the coming days.
The CCA's Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is made possible through the generous support of Platinum Partner, McDonald’s Canada, Foundation Partners Cargill, MNP, New Holland, 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 180 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.
The 2023 CYL semi-finalists recognized on stage at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
CYL Danika Mayer (right) mentored by Sandra Vos. Certificate presented by Beef Farmers of Ontario President, Jack Chaffe (left).
CYL Gleise Medeiros da Silva (right) mentored by Anne Wasko. Certificate presented by CCA President Nathan Phinney (left).
CYL Raelynn Blumhagen (right) with Mentor Brad Osadczuk (left).
CYL Carling Matejka (right) with Mentor Amie Peck (left).
CYL Jill Renton (right) with Mentor Andrea Stroeve-Sawa (left).
CYL Madi Lewis (right) with Mentor Jack Chaffe (left).
CYL Nicky Nixdorff (right) mentored by Sheila Jensen. Certificate presented by CCA President Nathan Phinney (left).
CYL Morgan Kitchen (right) mentored by John and Deanne Chuiko. Certificate presented by CCA President Nathan Phinney (left).
CYL Holly McGill (right) with Mentor Shannon Borden (left).
CYL James Kinley (right) and Mentor Shylo Penrod (left).
CYL Russell Gallelli (right) and Mentor Mike Panasiuk (left).
CYL Tyson Ringdal (right) and Mentor Gord Roger (left).