The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) program, a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), is pleased to announce the 16 finalists for the 2017-2018 CYL term.
The 2017 Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) proved to once again be an excellent setting for the selection of the newest crop of CYL participants. On August 15, 24 young beef enthusiasts from across Canada gathered at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park in Calgary, AB to showcase their knowledge and passion for the Canadian beef industry, in the hopes of being named one of 16 2017-2018 CYL Finalists.
CYL program Foundation Partners UFA, Cargill, McDonald’s Canada, MNP, and Gold Sponsor FCC, hosted roundtable discussions that focused on specific themes and thought-provoking questions designed to elicit responses that enabled judges to get a feel for each candidate. Representatives from Gold Sponsor, New Holland were also present at the event. For the seventh year in a row, the CYL semi-finalists impressed the judges and facilitators with their knowledge, passion and dedication for the industry. Although the questions were the same at each table, the conversations all took on different shapes and directions, depending on the perspectives of the candidates.
CYL semi-finalists also had the opportunity to be presented to the 700 delegates of the CBIC during the opening reception, on August 15. Prior to the 2017 graduation ceremony, the group was invited onto the stage.
After careful deliberation, the judges and facilitators compiled the list of the finalists for the upcoming CYL term. Each finalist will be awarded a $2,000 travel budget and a once in a lifetime, individual specific mentorship opportunity. The CCA is excited to announce the 2017 CYL Finalists as:
• British Columbia: Taylor Grafton, Alecia Karapita, Andrea Haywood-Farmer, Carley Henninger
• Alberta: Ashely Gaudet, Matt Kumlin, Ben Wilson, Lee Creech, James Jenkins, Melissa Lee, Cale Toews, Lacey McCrae
• Saskatchewan: Quin Anderson Folk, Kaitlyn Polegi, Allan Hjertaas
• Manitoba: Rachel Verwey
The CCA looks forward to following these outstanding young people as they experience personal and professional growth throughout their mentorship in the coming months. CYL’s continue to impress individuals throughout the beef industry and this year promises to be no exception.
Source: CCA