National Leadership Program Names Three Finalists from Ontario

By Bethany Story, BFO Communications Specialist

The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program provides industryspecific training and mentorship to assist individuals, and the beef industry, in building leadership capacity across the country. This program provides opportunities to learn from industry leaders through mentorship opportunities and participation at various events. Young industry enthusiasts between the ages of 18 and 35 have a chance to participate in discussions at provincial, national and international levels that define the direction and future of the Canadian cattle and beef industry.

Semi-finalists from across Canada travelled to Penticton, B.C. in August for the final selection process, as well as the chance to participate in the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Roundtable discussions were held where semi-finalists shared their ideas and insights on topics and issues facing the Canadian beef industry such as succession planning, animal health innovation and production efficiencies, adopting new technology, beef sustainability, growing market shares and much more. Each of the roundtable discussions were facilitated and judged by the program sponsors.

BFO is excited to congratulate Ontario’s three finalists - Madison Lewis of Meaford, Danika Mayer of Alexandria, and Holly McGill of Listowel - who qualified for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program. All three of these young leaders are strong members of the beef industry, whether through 4-H involvement, breed associations or industry committees, providing a great example of how to be involved within Ontario’s beef industry. BFO is proud of these finalists who represent Ontario’s passionate young leaders and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.

Madison Lewis - Grey County

I grew up in the small agriculture town of Meaford, Ontario. 4-H sparked my passion for agriculture, leading me to the University of Guelph – Ridgetown College where I received an Associate Diploma in Agriculture. There, I focused my studies on livestock production, more specifically ruminant nutrition. I have continued my studies and am now currently attending the University of Guelph and in my final semester of my Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture. I look forward to pursuing my Master of Science in Beef Nutrition upon completion of my bachelor’s degree. I recently graduated from both the Ontario Junior Limousin Association, as well as the Canadian Junior Limousin Association, where I held several positions such as president and treasurer. I am currently an active member of the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance, as well as the director and promotional chairman of the Ontario Limousin Association.

I am extremely honoured to be chosen as a finalist in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program. I am looking forward to working alongside my mentor through the nine month mentorship program and getting the tools to effectively promote the beef industry to consumers.

Danika Mayer - Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry United Counties

Despite not having been born into a farming family, I have been involved with agriculture for the better part of my life. I grew up in L’Orignal, Ontario where I took horseback riding lessons at a farm down the road. This farm also included poultry and sheep which sparked my love for farm animals. My family and I moved to a hobby farm when I was 12 years old, and I finally had the chance to own horses and other farm animals. The first bovine on our hobby farm may not have been a beef breed, but my love for cattle flourished from here. I was approached by a local farmer to show his purebred Simmental calves in our local 4-H club and have been hooked since. I am now a registered practical nurse at our local rural hospital, and with the help of my boyfriend we currently calve out 20-head of purebred Simmentals and produce seedstock for our commercial and purebred clients. We currently have plans to expand our operation and eventually we hope to be able to farm full-time.

I am extremely privileged to have been selected as a finalist for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program. I hope to make lasting friendships and am fortunate to have already met so many likeminded individuals from across the country.

Holly McGill - Perth County

I grew up in the GTA – with a mother terrified of animals and a father who’s allergic to anything with pollen or fur. I was about as far from the farm life as a person can get. But I have always loved animals, and it only took one day of classes at Guelph to know that agriculture was my calling. Having completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master’s degree in ruminant nutrition at Guelph, I now work as a nutritionist, focusing on beef and veal. I’m a passionate supporter of agriculture and sit on the board of directors for Farm and Food Care Ontario. I am an active member of the new Ontario Beef Youth Alliance and am always looking for ways to increase my involvement within the Ontario beef industry.

To say that I am honoured to be a Canadian Cattle Young Leaders finalist is an understatement; as someone who didn’t grow up in agriculture, I am always blown away by the industry’s willingness to welcome new people to the industry. I’m looking forward to working closely with my mentor to improve my practical and applied on-farm skills, and bring that knowledge back to better support Ontario’s beef sector.

BFO continues to appreciate the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders finalists! Their interest and engagement within the industry is encouraging to both young producers, and enthusiasts in general who wish to become more involved.

Are you passionate about the Ontario beef industry and between the ages of 18-35? Join the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance - a powerful group of individuals with energy and enthusiasm to grow, protect and advocate for Ontario’s beef industry. To learn more about the OBYA and the benefits of joining visit www.ontariobeef.com.