Frequently Asked Questions

CYL is not a traditional mentorship program…you will find it flexible and tailored to what you want to experience. Without intense time commitment, the CYL program gives young leaders a chance to team up with industry experts, make connections and provide valuable input to industry and government.

Answering Your Questions

What is the objective of this program?
In today’s cattle industry, the youth perspective is becoming increasingly important for many reasons. Consumer preferences are shifting, political perspectives are being aimed more so at the millennial generation and leadership is beginning to shift. The objective of CYL is to encourage young producers to become engaged and take action in the Canadian cattle industry.

Who is eligible to apply to the program?
The CYL Program is open to all beef enthusiasts between the ages of 18 and 35 that are residents of Canada. You do not have to own cattle to participate in the program.

What events do CYLs attend?
During their mentorship, mentees attend a wide range of events. These include CYL organized tours, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association meetings, industry tours, conferences and forums depending on the goals of their mentorship. Examples of industry events CYLs have attended in the past include the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, Beef Value Chain Roundtables, Farm Fair International, Agribition, Toronto Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Alberta and Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conferences, and provincial beef producer meetings.

Are there international opportunities for the CYLs?
The CYL program sends delegates to international industry events to represent youth in the Canadian beef industry and enrich their mentorship experience. International events CYLs have attended in the past include the National Western Stock Show, International Beef Alliance Conference and Young Ranchers Program, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Convention. In addition, there are tours, young producer roundtables and various meetings scheduled around these events which allow CYL participants to make the most of these trips and establish meaningful connections with beef producers in other nations.

What do the mentorships focus on?
CYL mentees work with their mentors to establish a unique learning road map that outlines key areas of interest or specific questions that the mentee has. Throughout the course of the mentorship, the mentee builds a knowledge and skill base in these key areas through conversations with their mentor, attending industry events and networking with other leaders and peers in industry. CYL mentees also participate in training activities and advocacy efforts such as the Beef Advocacy Canada program.

Who are the CYL mentors?
Program participants are matched with industry leaders that have knowledge, experience and skills in the participant’s area of interest. The list of past mentors is very diverse and can be found on the CYL website under Participant Spotlight.

What is the time commitment to be a participant?
CYL is not a traditional mentorship program. Participants will find it flexible and tailored to what they want to experience. Mentors will dedicate a minimum amount of time to activities within a pre-determined time frame to share skills, experiences and opportunities with mentees. In order to complete the program, the mentee will need to exhibit comprehension and proficiency in the areas of learning.

What is the duration of a mentorship?
The successful mentees will be selected at the annual Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August and will be introduced to their mentor in November. The mentorship concludes in July followed by a graduation ceremony at the following Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Graduates of the program are eligible to participate in select CYL events after their official mentorship is completed.

How do I apply to the program?
Program applications are available on the CYL website and generally open in early January and close in late March. Visit the ‘Apply’ tab to access the application and see this year’s official opening and closing submission dates.