Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) is pleased to announce the semi-finalists for the upcoming 2025–2026 program year.

Established by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in 2010, the CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18–35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain.

The CYL Program aims to build the next generation of industry leaders by providing unique mentorship, training, and professional and personal development opportunities in the Canadian beef industry.

 “Congratulations to all the exceptional applicants this year who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to shaping the future of the Canadian beef industry”

A judging panel selected the semi-finalists from impressive written applications submitted by youth from across the country. Applications are available annually from early January to the end of March on the Canadian CYL Program website.

Semi-finalists will be invited to attend the annual CYL Selections Competition in September. The semi-finalists will participate in judged roundtable discussions on timely beef industry related topics to compete for a spot in the upcoming program year.

“Congratulations to all the exceptional applicants this year who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to shaping the future of the Canadian beef industry. We are excited to meet our semi-finalists in September and listen to the innovative ideas they will bring to the table,” said CCA President Tyler Fulton

The 2025 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:

• British Columbia: Matt Henderson (Prince George)
  
  
• Alberta: Arturo Macias Franco (Edmonton); Cache Schiller (Flatbush); Cayley Brown (Rocky View County); Charlotte Wasylik (Derwent); Clayton Andrew (Youngstown); Denay Bjornson (Wanham); Ellie Stauffer (Pincher Creek); Eric Tarrant (High River); Justin Rosadiuk (Evansburg); Jarret Nelson (Hemaruka); Lauren Moody (Walsh); Ryan Singerland (Lethbridge); Tyler Bentley (Erskine); Marissa Lamay (High River); and Gautier Henaff (Turin)
  
  
• Saskatchewan: Bailie Barnett (Moose Jaw); Brodyn LeBatte (Gladmar); and Cyle Stewart (Morse)
  
  
• Manitoba: Doris Doelger (Beausejour)
  
  
• Ontario: Abbey Taylor (Belmont)
  
  
• Quebec: Ellen Rice-Hogan (Venosta)
  
  
• Prince Edward Island: Jillian Ferguson (Spring Valley)
  
  
• Nova Scotia: Caylene Manning (Falmouth)

Following the competition, the selected finalists will be matched with an industry leader in their specific area of interest in the beef industry for a nine-month mentorship opportunity. They will also be granted a travel budget to fund engagement in various industry events, networking experiences, and learning opportunities throughout the program year.

These exceptional opportunities would not be possible without the generous support of program Platinum Partners, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill; Foundation Partners, MNP, Elanco, and New Holland; and Gold Partners, Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, and RBC Future Launch.