2021 CYL Semi-Finalists Announced

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association Young Leaders Mentorship Program has announced its 24 semi-finalists for 2021.

Jessica Giles, the CCA's Youth Leadership Coordinator, says the program is a great opportunity for young people ages 18 to 35.

"It takes 16 participants each year, and it matches them with the mentor for a nine-month mentorship opportunity in their specific area of interest in the beef industry. Whether that's sustainable grazing practices, industry advocacy or policy, serving on industry boards, and so much more. And in addition to being matched with the industry mentor, they're also granted a $2,000 budget and this on various learning opportunities and their participation in industry events of their choosing."

Giles says narrowing this year's field of candidates down was a tough job for the judges.

"We saw another strong turnout this year and the calibre of these applications was just tremendous as usual. I mean, it just paints such an optimistic and bright future for the Canadian beef industry when you see these outstanding young people that are so passionate about the success of the industry and really want to a career and a future in it."

The 2021 semi-finalists, in no particular order, are:

British Columbia: Julia Flinton (Williams Lake), Amanda Miller (Lumby), Janine Rubin (Rose Prairie), Lace Cole (McBride), Raelynn Blumhagen (Jaffray)

Alberta: Diane Van Essen (Picture Butte), Amanda Matthews (Bragg Creek), Nikki Olson (Red Deer County), Rheanne Ritchie (Didsbury), Max Kaumeyer (Okotoks), Louis Kaumeyer (Okotoks), Kyle Paulgaard (Hayter), Laura Macrae (Westlock), Tia Schram (Bruderheim), Melissa Gablehaus (Rochester), Amber Shuttleworth (Airdrie)

Saskatchewan: Brock Larson (Simmie), Holly Sparrow (Vanscoy), Logan Houff (Eston)

Ontario: Emily Potter (Earlton), Nicole Nunn (Lucknow), Laura Scott (Oxford Mills)

Québec: Victor Drury (La Pêche)

Newfoundland and Labrador: Darren Dinsmore (Goose Bay)