Canadian Cattle Young Leaders announce 2026 Finalists
September 1, 2026
Calgary, AB — The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program, a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), is pleased to announce its 16 finalists for the 2026–2027 program year.
The annual CYL Selections Competition took place on August 18, 2026, at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
During the competition, impressive semi-finalists from across Canada, involved in various roles within the beef supply chain, competed for a spot in the 2026 mentorship program year.
Through the Selections Competition, semi-finalists rotated through discussions with their peers at six roundtables, each facilitated and judged by representatives from the program’s sponsors and industry. Semi-finalists put their skills to the test during thought provoking discussions about timely beef industry topics such as education, succession planning, leadership, public trust, innovative technology and international trade.
Each finalist will be awarded a $3,000 budget for beef industry travel and learning opportunities and will be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a nine-month mentorship in their specific area of interest.
“Congratulations to the CYL finalists. The passion, dedication and knowledge demonstrated for the Canadian beef industry during the roundtable discussions was inspiring,” said Tyler Fulton, President of the Canadian Cattle Association. “This year’s impressive group of semi-finalists emphasized that the Canadian beef industry is in good hands with the talent and leadership of the next generation.”
The 2026 finalists, from West to East, are:
British Columbia: Sarah MacDonald (Vanderhoof)
Alberta: Andria Carlyon (Dapp); Caith Cameron (Didsbury); Derek Friend (Rosalind); Jordyn Prior (Irma); Karin Roen (Oyen); Lauren Stefaniuk (Airdrie); Quinn Devine (Innisfree); Ralph Thrall IV (Lethbridge); Sydney Fortier (Diamond Valley)
Saskatchewan: Blythe Clemence (Broadview); Jessica Davey (Southwest of Saskatoon); Olivia Woytiuk (Shell Lake)
Manitoba: Mae Fulton (Birtle)
Ontario: Elizabeth Teel (Listowel)
Quebec: Emilie Blondeau (Princeville)
The semi-annual meeting was also a special occasion for the 2025–2026 CYLs who graduated from the program and were awarded their certificates at the graduation celebration.
The graduation also saw the presentation of the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award in partnership with the Canadian CYL Program, Canadian Cattle Foundation, and the Schellenberg family. Click here to read more.
The opportunities offered to the next generation through the Canadian CYL Program would not be possible without the generous support of its Platinum Partners, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill, Foundation Partners MNP, and Elanco, and Gold Partners Farm Credit Canada, 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 more than 220 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.
Read more: Canadian Cattle Young Leaders names its 2026 Program semi-finalists
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
For a PDF of the release, click here