Unique Opportunities For Young People In The Beef Industry

The deadline for young people to get their name in for a national mentorship program in the beef industry is Sunday, March 31.

The Cattlemen's Young Leaders (CYL) mentorship program through the Canadian Cattlemen's Association is accepting applications for next year where people ages 18 to 35 are paired with an industry leader to learn more about their specific area of interest in the beef industry.

Last year's CYL participant, Calgary's Ashley Gaudet works as a Veterinary Technician for a practice in Airdrie which exclusively focuses on beef production.

Guadet was paired with Rob and Gail Hamilton who own a purebred black angus operation Northwest of Calgary.

She says it was a perfect match where they focused on the development of her own herd and building a brand.

The program also provides participants with unique travel opportunities.

Guadet travelled to the Denver Stock Show where she was able to help the Hamilton's show a string of bulls, as showing is something she says she's been passionate about from a young age.

She adds, the program offers very unique networking opportunities.

"Once you get exposed to these people and you just start talking, you learn so much more from everyone else that you meet through the program on top of what you are already gaining from your mentor."

Once applications are submitted, chosen semi-finalists will travel to the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary from August 13-15 where 16 finalists will be selected for the program.

For more information and application details, visit cattlemensyoungleaders.com