Time is running out to take advantage of mentorship and skill building opportunities in the Canadian beef industry through the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program! Applications are closing March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm MT at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca.
The mentorship program was established by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in 2010 and has since seen over 180 program graduates across the country. The program is open to young people, ages 18-35, across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain including farmers and ranchers, students, veterinarians, financial advisors and much more! Through the program, 16 participants are selected annually to be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship to help advance their career path in the beef industry. They are also awarded a travel budget for learning and travel opportunities of their choice. The program strives to provide professional development opportunities through various domestic and international travel and networking, the annual CYL Spring Forum event, attendance at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and the completion of industry-focused graduation requirements.
We are sincerely grateful to our Foundation Partner, Cargill, who is helping us increase travel budgets for the upcoming program year and support our program mentors!
Cargill has been a tremendous partner since the inception of the Canadian CYL Program as the very first program sponsor. Through Cargill’s global grant matching program, the 2024-2025 program year will see each participant have access to a $3000 travel budget, an increase of $1000 for each participant. Starting in August 2024, Cargill’s increased support will also be used to help fund mentors’ attendance at the annual CYL Graduation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference with their mentee. The CCA looks forward to this continued partnership with Cargill to build a sustainable industry though investing in a strong generation of young leaders.
Semi-finalists will be selected from submitted written applications available on our website and will be invited for an expense-paid trip to attend the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon, SK in August 2024. At the conference, semi-finalists will compete for a spot in the upcoming program year through the annual CYL Selections competition.
We strongly value diversity amongst applicants and all are welcome to apply, as it plays a key role in young leaders gaining exposure to new ideas and creating peer learning experiences.
If you’re between 18-35 and interested in taking the next step to fast-track your involvement in the Canadian beef industry, please visit our website for more information.
Thank you to our Platinum Partner, McDonald’s Canada, Foundation Partners, Cargill, MNP, Elanco and New Holland, along with Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, RBC Future Launch and Alltech for your incredibly generous sponsorship that makes these opportunities possible!
Please direct any questions about the program or application process to CCA Youth Programs and Engagement Manager, Jessica Radau, at radauj@cattle.ca.
