Participants in the Canadian Cattle Association's Young Leaders Mentorship Program took part in the final round of competition last week during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
The group of 24 took part in roundtable discussion with the other participants and judges as they work to narrow down the group to the 16 finalists.
Jessica Radau, the CCA's Policy, Programs and Engagement Manager says the roundtable discussions covered a variety of topics from succession planning to biosecurity, building public trust in the industry and more.
"We give them an industry topic to discuss at each of the round tables and then they rotate amongst the discussion questions."
She say although it is a competition, it's a really fun format because we've got the next generation sharing their ideas of what they see as solutions to our challenges.
Results from the competition will be announced in a couple of weeks.
Radau was a graduate of the CYL program in 2018 and farms with her husband and his family near Bowden (Alberta), a fourth generation, mixed farming operation that has purebred Herefords, commercial cattle, and grain production.
Through the CYL program young people (18-35) involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain apply to participate in a nine month mentorship program.
Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is considered an industry succession plan, giving the next generation the tools and skills they need to continue to grow the beef industry.
The Canadian Cattle Association has seen over 180 graduates from the CYL program since it was established in 2010.
More information on the program and the 2023 participants can be found here.
Source : Pembinavalley online