Participant Spotlight
2021
Biography:
Amanda is passionate about rangeland stewardship and conservation,
with a keen interest in providing ecological tools and strategies
for long-term sustainable land management. She spent part of her
childhood on a small ranch in the Chilcotin region of British
Columbia, which instilled a love of the ranching industry. While
obtaining an undergraduate degree from Thompson Rivers University,
she found rangeland management intriguing, as not only a complex
science, but also a field where the importance of grazing as an
ecosystem function was recognized and celebrated - tying together
childhood experiences with the scientific method.
Amanda has a master’s degree in Rangeland and Wildlife Resources
from the University of Alberta and has been a professional
agrologist since 2016. As a rangeland specialist for the
Government of Alberta from 2013-2019, she worked to develop
ecological tools, applied research and policy solutions to address
emerging rangeland issues. She has worked for years exploring the
relationship between a vibrant beef industry and grassland
conservation outcomes, and is looking forward to working with a
mentor in the cattle industry to explore policy problems and
pieces to further rangeland management and conservation supporting
industry sustainability and competitiveness.
Currently the owner and founder of Palouse Rangeland Consulting,
Amanda works largely with the BC Cattlemen’s Association, and is a
supporter of sustainable beef and cattle as a conservation tool.
In her free time, you can find her exploring the mountains by
foot, on skis or horseback.
Biography:
Larry graduated with a BSc in agriculture from the University of
British Columbia in 1981. He worked with the range division of the
BC Forest Service, Kamloops Region before going back to university
and receiving a MSc in animal science – beef cattle range and
pasture nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987.
After work with the Horse Industry Branch of Alberta Agriculture,
Larry hired on with the Canadian Cattlemen Magazine where he
worked for 21 years as associate editor until 2008. He then took
on the role of national coordinator of the Canadian Beef Advantage
– Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) development team for the Canadian
Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). In 2015, Larry contracted to CCA as
communications lead for the Verified Beef Production - Plus
program. In 2018, he was hired as Manager Environment &
Sustainability with CCA.
In his current capacity, Larry represents CCA on environmental
policy and issues. He analyzes and consults on government
environmental and related policy that may impact Canada's beef
producers. He also liaises with environmental non-government
organizations, conservation organizations, producer groups and
international organizations relating to many issues around beef
cattle and the environment.
Larry is an avid outdoorsman, keen fly fisher and operates a small
farm raising horses and growing Haskap berries with spouse,
Leslie. He has been historically involved in land use planning and
conservation activities and education in his community in the
Foothills region SW of Calgary, AB.
Biography:
Brock grew up and currently farms with his family on their
cow-calf operation in southwest Saskatchewan near the hamlet of
Simmie. The operation consists of a Red Angus commercial herd
where the top females are bred shorthorn in the hopes that heifers
are produced that are then retained as replacement. Recently, the
herd has expanded to include a small purebred shorthorn sector
that is growing by the years through purchases of animals and
retainment of heifers. Growing up, Brock was active in his local
4-H beef club and this is where he developed his passion for
genetics and breeding of beef cattle. Since this point, Brock has
been trained as an AI technician and has implemented an AI program
at his own farm, as well as doing some custom work for others.
This passion pushed Brock to attend the University of
Saskatchewan, where he recently completed his Bachelor of Science
in Agriculture with a major in Animal Science. Off the farm, Brock
has been working for Spagrud Water well, a water well drilling
company based out of Gull lake, SK.
Brock is very excited to be selected as a finalist for the CYL
program and looks forward to connecting with the other finalists
and hopes that through the program he will be able to expand his
knowledge on beef cattle genetics, as well as the different
breeding tools that are available and how to best utilize them.
Biography:
Ty currently works with agricultural genomics company Quantum
Genetix as Vice President, where they are rapidly expanding, with
their “Genomics Simplified” approach; using genomic information
and digital technology to improve farm efficiency, both in
livestock and crops as well as monitoring system for antimicrobial
resistance (AMR).
Growing up on a cattle ranch in SW Saskatchewan, Ty began his
corporate career in agriculture with global bioscience company,
Alltech, upon completion of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
from the University of Saskatchewan. He went on to complete his
MSc from the Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and
the Advanced Management Development Program from the Michael
Smurfit School of Business, University College Dublin. While at
Alltech, he worked in multiple capacities of the business
including global beef manager and managing director of Canada, US
and Australia, all within the animal, crop and alcohol segments of
the company.
Biography:
Darren spent part of his childhood living and working on farms in
Ontario. He was a member of his local 4-H club where he showed
cattle. He has been farming in Goose Bay, Labrador for four years
now. He wants to be a catalyst for the development of the
livestock industry in Canada’s Northeast. He hopes to impact food
security, the environment, soil fertility and land stewardship
practices. Darren now has 40 acres planted with a variety of
forage crops for his growing beef herd, and a new 90 head
livestock facility. Although Labrador has no Abattoir, and he is
the only one raising beef cows, he hopes to see an abattoir open
in Labrador’s near future, and others begin to raise more
livestock.
When he is not working on the farm, he pastors a local
congregation just up the road. Darren is passionate about working
with his head and hands to benefit the health and hearts of his
community. He also works closely with the Pye Centre for Northern
Boreal Food Systems, which is a research farm for the Labrador
Institute of Memorial University. Darren is certainly not the
first to try his hand at farming in Labrador, but he hopes to
build on the hard work of those before him.
Biography:
Victor grew up on the family farm in Martock, Nova Scotia. The
farm has been in the family for over 100 years. He currently farms
with his family, wife Novadawn, son and daughter-in law-Wyatt and
Ella, their children Rhett and Scarlett, Victor’s brother and his
wife and family Wayne and Nicole, Ty, Chett, Josee, Nate and
Jorja, as well as Victor’s parents Mike and Dianne.
Their farm is a multi-commodity operation with beef – cow-calf to
finish, Purebred Herefords and Red Angus- poultry, sheep, deer,
elk, wild boar, goats and orchards. On the farm, there is also a
red meat abattoir and a poultry abattoir, as well as a meat shop
where all of their animals are processed and marketed through.
Victor graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1988
and has been farming ever since. He was a 4H leader for 20 years,
as well as coaching minor hockey for six years. He is past
president of the Canadian Hereford Association, Maritime Hereford
Association, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Windsor
Agriculture Society and Canada’s oldest agricultural fair, The
Hants County Exhibition. He has also served on many other National
and Provincial ag boards and committees and is currently
vise-president of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers.
Biography:
Diane Van Essen was born and raised near Picture Butte, AB on a
mixed crop farm. Her first experience with cattle was when she
began working at Picture Butte Auction Market at age 14. The
auction career grew from there, transferring to Brooks, Strathmore
and now Calgary with TEAM Auction Sales. In addition to the
auction market world, she was able to spend some years working for
a local feedlot, gaining knowledge areas including feedlot health,
cattle rations, feeding management, cattle contracting and carcass
data tracing.
Diane currently works for TEAM Auction Sales and is responsible
for live online sales as well as listing cattle for their weekly
Friday feeder sale. She is enthusiastic about marketing cattle,
how to assist the producer in getting the most money for their
product and reducing cost of gain for industry members every step
of the production line. She is looking forward to making new
connections through the CYL Program and gaining knowledge on ideal
marketing times, techniques and practices.
Biography:
Ryan Copithorne's career has involved managing and operating a large historic family ranch of which he oversaw the expansion to multiple locations involving cattle feeding and finishing. He was later involved in designing and building one of Canada's largest cow-calf programs as Cattle Director for an investor-owned multi-ranch operation. He has been involved in production, cattle feeding, brokering and designing agricultural investment funds in the cattle sector. Ryan has spent a significant portion of his career working with indigenous people developing cattle operations on First Nations lands. He currently operates a market intelligence, risk management and consulting company for the cattle sector called Cows in Control Inc. located west of Calgary. Ryan is active in developing ranch and farmland investments. He is a director of the Western Stock Growers Association and Canadian Association for Farm Advisors. His passion is agriculture and primarily the cattle sector. Ryan has an MBA from Queen's School of Business, a finance degree, and over 25 years in the ranching and commodity business.
Biography:
Emily was raised on a purebred Charolais cow-calf operation in
Earlton, Ontario. Growing up, she showed cattle with her family at
local fairs and at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. This
instilled a passion for 4-H and livestock in her from a young age.
She graduated from the University of Guelph in 2018 with a
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science.
She now works as the Executive Director for the Northern Ontario
Farm Innovation Alliance, overseeing the organization’s research
and innovation projects focussed on advancing agriculture in
Northern Ontario. Her and her husband are also in the process of
succession planning to take over the farm from her parents.
Emily is excited to be a part of the 2021 CYL class and looks
forward to networking and learning more about the beef industry.
Biography:
As a Business Advisor with Farm Credit Canada, Andrea specializes
in farm and business transitions, providing clarity to family
dynamics. With her experience in farm management, she collaborates
with technical advisors to address business structure and
facilitate conversations.
Andrea grew up on a small beef and crop farm in southern Ontario.
After earning a degree in agriculture business at the University
of Guelph, she worked in agriculture and commercial lending
throughout Ontario. In addition, she served as Managing Director
of the Ontario Pork Industry Council for four years.
Andrea and her husband own and operate their family hog and crop
farm outside Stratford.
Biography:
Holly Sparrow developed her passion for beef cattle through her family's operation near Kelliher, Saskatchewan. Holly obtained a degree at the University of Saskatchewan majoring in Animal Science and is currently working for VBP+ Delivery Services Inc. and ranches alongside her husband on their mixed operation near Vanscoy, SK. Holly currently serves as Past President of the Young Cattlemen’s Council, is involved in the Sask Forage Council and is passionate about contributing to a sustainable environment while producing high quality beef. Holly looks forward to the future with her husband, as they are both dedicated to improving their operations.
Biography:
Kelly Sidoryk ranches with her family near Lloydminster, SK/AB. Over 25 years ago, they were introduced to Holistic Resource Management (as it was known at the time), a decision making/planning process that focusses on finances, land and people. The process had a significant impact on their operation as it transitioned to be a forage based, livestock enterprise. She completed the degree program through HRM with a focus on the people side. In addition to running their family business, she has worked with many farm families as they work on transitioning to the next generation. She also teaches Holistic Management Whole/Farm Ranch Planning courses –including goal setting, financial planning, land planning, grazing planning, strategic planning and succession planning. She is a certified educator with Holistic Management International (HMI). She is also on the HMI board, based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition, Kelly works with a colleague and organizes local events including the Inspiring Women Conference, Cowgirl Yoga and Harvest Feastival – a local food event. She enjoys riding, travelling, writing and photography and being a new grandma to Bennett.
Biography:
Janine grew up on a commercial and purebred Angus cow-calf
operation (Upper Pine Red Angus) in Rose Prairie, BC. She was
always very proud to be raised out in the country and on a farm.
Some of her favorite memories growing up on the farm was going to
check the cows on the back of the old farm truck and watching the
new baby calves run around in springtime!
During her youth, she was an active 4-H beef member for eight
years. She was very fortunate for all the opportunities that 4-H
provided her. She was able to travel to various events throughout
Canada which included the National 4-H Conference in Toronto,
Ontario and the Provincial Public Speaking competition in
Vanderhoof, BC where she placed second. She was also very lucky to
be the recipient of two 4-H scholarships. She stays involved in
4-H by volunteering as a public speaking judge in her area which
she very much enjoys.
She graduated from Olds College with her Administrative Assistant
Certificate, a Diploma in Agricultural Business and a Bachelor of
Applied Science Degree in Agribusiness. She has fifteen years of
experience working in the agriculture industry. She has worked for
various agricultural businesses including: Agricore, Agricore
United, Rosehill Auction Service & Olds Auction Mart, Viterra,
Cargill, Syngenta Crop Protection, Douglas Lake Ranch, TD
Agricultural Services, Bayer CropScience, Richardson Pioneer and
currently is a Program Representative for the BC Ministry of
Agriculture.
Presently, she lives with her husband and young daughter in Fort
St. John, BC. They enjoy helping out on the family farm in their
spare time and on weekends. The young family hopes to move to the
country in the near future and plan to be involved as producers.
Janine is very excited and thankful for the opportunity to be
involved in the CYL Program and is looking forward to all the
learning and networking that will take place!
Biography:
Jodie currently is the Program Coordinator for the Livestock Price
Insurance program delivered through the Saskatchewan Crop
Insurance Corporation. She has been in this role for the past
eight years. Prior to her current role, Jodie spent 16 years in
cattle finance, working with two of the largest cattle finance
companies in Canada. In 2008, Jodie began her own venture, Western
Direct Livestock Marketing, providing cattle financing and
marketing services. Jodie assisted producers with navigating
alternative marketing opportunities and was a Consultant for
Northwest Consolidated Beef, assisting producers in marketing fed
cattle.
Jodie’s passion and dedication to the cattle industry runs deep
within her. She and her husband Scott, ranch SW of Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. They run 200 cows and a yearling grazing program.
Jodie’s most recent accolade is being the recipient of the 2020
Deputy Ministers Award of Excellence. She also was the founder of
the Cattlewomen for the Cure, an annual golf tournament fundraiser
for various organizations.
When Jodie is not traveling with work or ranching at home, she
loves her time spent with her three precious grandchildren (soon
to be four) and avidly participates in the sport of barrel racing.
Biography:
Julia Flinton grew up in the heart of the Cariboo in Williams
Lake, BC. A third-generation cattle farmer and resident of
Williams Lake, she currently lives in Williams Lake with her
husband Anthony, daughter, Eilidh and son, Keane.
After spending ten years in Saskatchewan pursuing her hockey
career and obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural
Business from the University of Saskatchewan, Julia moved home to
Williams Lake to be closer to family. After seven years with the
BC Wildfire Service, Julia and her husband Anthony welcomed their
daughter Eilidh in March 2019, who is now two.
After having her daughter, Julia decided to focus more on her
career and passion for agriculture, specifically cattle farming.
In May 2020, she obtained a position with the Williams Lake First
Nation as Rights and Title Coordinator.
While working full-time, Julia also helps with the 150 Mile Ranch,
owned by the Williams Lake First Nation and managed by her
mother-in-law, June and her father, Hugh Flinton, who owns and
operates Peka Enterprises. Both operations are about 35 cow-calf
pairs.
In the last year, Julia started a new 4H club within the
community. Williams Lake First Nation 4H Club, based out of the
150 Mile Ranch, enables both First Nations and non-First Nations
youth to participate in the program. In 2021, the youth
participate in projects such as sheep, swine and beef. The First
Nations youth can participate no matter what their home situation
may be, by housing their animals at the 150 Mile Ranch in a cohort
situation.
Julia and her husband, Anthony, started their own herd of beef
cattle and are slowly growing their numbers year by year.
Julia is excited to be a finalist in the CYL Program and cannot
wait for the next nine months!
Biography:
Judy Guichon, along with her four children, own Gerard Guichon
Ranch in the Nicola Valley in the British Columbia Interior. The
Guichon’s use a holistic management approach on the ranch and are
two-time environmental stewardship award winners. Today, the two
eldest children manage the ranch that runs cow-calf pairs and
yearlings.
In addition to her years successfully ranching in the Nicola
Valley, from 2012-2018, Guichon served as the 29th Lieutenant
Governor of BC working as the Queen’s representative to the
province.
Guichon has also served in numerous industry leadership roles such
as President of the BC Cattlemen’s Association from 2010-2012,
Chair of the provincial Ranching Task Force and Chair of the
Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Biography:
Dr. Laura Macrae (DVM) is located in Westlock, Alberta where she farms with her husband. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2013 and has spent the last nine years working for beef and dairy producers in Ontario and Alberta. Everyday, Laura enjoys teaming up with producers, helping them achieve production targets and improve overall herd health. She has enjoyed the opportunity to work in embryo transfer, cattle nutrition, and general large animal veterinary medicine. Laura’s dream is to have her own herd of cattle and supply beef locally.
Biography:
Brendan is a third-generation farmer who grew up on a farm west of
Picture Butte, Alberta and currently operates a 2,500 head
background feedlot operation with his brother, Wilf. He completed
his degree in finance from the University of Lethbridge in 2000.
Brendan lives on the farm with his wife, Jackie, and three
children Shaun, Benjamin and Natalie. His passion for raising
livestock started at young age when he purchased his first 50 head
of grass cattle in high school and has been raising cattle ever
since. Today, the operation consists of a backgrounding feedlot
and owning cattle for slaughter in custom feed yards.
His brother Wilf manages the day-to-day operations of the feedlot,
and Brendan manages all finances and works off farm with RBC Royal
Bank. He started in the financial service industry in 2002
managing agricultural portfolio. He has experience in both primary
agriculture and other industries that support agriculture. He
joined RBC Royal Bank in 2019, managing a diversified portfolio of
clients in feedlot operations and specialty crops. His role with
RBC is to help clients reach their financial goals by providing
financial advice and risk assessment.
Brendan is involved in local school board and other local
committees. He enjoys spending time with family, playing hockey
and golfing in the summer.
Biography:
Raised on her family’s cow-calf and cash crop operation just South
of Ottawa, Ontario, Laura calls Oxford Mills home. Her family
currently runs a cow-calf operation of 30 purebred Limousin and
Limousin influence females. Laura grew up in the 4-H program and
the Canadian Junior Limousin program, keen to compete in local
fairs and Junior shows across the country. After graduating the
University of Guelph in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Food,
Agriculture and Resource Economics, Laura returned to the area to
help run the family farm. She currently works as a Certified Crop
Advisor for a local input company.
While the show cattle have offered her numerous opportunities to
network and meet people from around the world, it also offered her
the CYL Program. A former CYL grad and friend whom Laura met
through the Limousin breed introduced her to the program and the
endless possibilities it could extend to her.
Laura and her family have been focusing heavily on Purebred
Limousin genetics and developing their herd the last few years,
however Laura’s taken an interest in beef processing and the added
value it can offer. Laura’s delighted to have been selected as one
of the 2021/2022 CYL finalists and can’t wait for the
opportunities and the challenges this program will offer!
Biography:
Jaclyn Wilson returned home after attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2002 to become the fifth generation on Wilson Ranch, a commercial red angus/red composite operation at Lakeside, NE that was founded by her family in 1888. In 2011, she started Flying Diamond Genetics a recipient (recip) business and in 2019 Flying Diamond Beef, a ranch to plate, direct market beef business.
She has served or is serving on:
- Nebraska Cattlemen’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee
- Nebraska Agriculture Leadership Council (LEAD Program Board of Directors) culminating as Chair
- National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Beef Leader (steering committee and advisory group) and Resolution Committee member, Chair and Vice Chair.
- NCBA’s Board of Directors Policy Division and is the current Vice Chair of International Trade
- Nebraska Brand Committee
- Senator Deb Fischer’s Ag Round Table
- Congressman Adrian Smith’s Ag Advisory Committee
- Governor Pete Ricketts’ Ag Advisory Committee
- Nebraska Humanities Council
- Security First Bank Board of Directors
Her international experiences include:
- Nebraska LEAD Program representative to Russia, Ukraine, and Poland
- Nebraska representative on Rotary International Group Study Exchange to Santa Catarina, Brasil
- US Beef Industry Representative for Cargill’s 150th Anniversary Learning Journey to China
- NCBA’s Young Leader representative to the Seven Nations Beef Alliance in Taupo, New Zealand
Her most notable speaking opportunities include:
- American Akaushi Annual Convention, Texas
- Range Beef Cow Symposium, Colorado and Nebraska
- Leader Bitterroot Ag Writer’s Workshop, California
- Sharing our Diversity and Unity, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Keynote Speaker- Nebraska Youth Beef Leaders-University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Sheridan College Ranch Sustainability Forum, Wyoming
- Farm Credit Knowledge Center, Virginia
Jaclyn was named a 2016 Farm Journal Media 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Award winner and was included in the book Generations on the Land.
In addition to her work in ranching and the beef industry, Jaclyn writes editorials for five different weekly and biweekly publications that circulate to over 50,000 producers throughout the Midwest.
Biography:
Logan was immersed in the cattle industry at birth being born and
raised in a livestock auction market (Rockin’ R) in Medicine Hat,
AB. His passion for the cattle was developed at a young age; he
was taught his breeds of cattle before his colors. Logan’s journey
led him to graduating from Medicine Hat College as an
Environmental Reclamation Technician in 2012, where he then worked
as an environmental scientist until 2014.
Realizing that there was a desire for Logan to have a career
agriculture, he moved to Eston, SK where he worked for a family
friend as a farm equipment operator and assisted with the farm’s
agronomy. The goal of starting a business within the cattle
industry was set shortly after moving to Eston, with the burning
passion for cattle still flowing through him from the days at the
Rockin’ R in his childhood. He and his wife, Mari, saved to
purchase a property near Eston where they started their calf
backgrounding operation and long yearling program with just a
handful calves.
Logan and Mari and their two children (Harden and Isla) now custom
background 500 calves, and feed 300 cows, as well grassing around
200 yearlings.
Logan is excited to be selected for the CYL Mentorship Program. He
is looking forward to networking with industry leaders and is
hoping to advance his knowledge in agri-business and agri-finance
to better growing and sustain his and his wife’s business for
future generations.
Biography:
Pat Hayes operates a third generation ranching operation in Southwest Saskatchewan, where they run backgrounder and grasser cattle. Most years, steers are sold off grass in August or September, where they also finish cattle for slaughter as the markets dictate. Pat has been heavily involved in provincial and national cattle organizations for a number of years. He currently serves as Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Chair, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s Animal Health Committee Co-Chair, and serves on the board of the local ambulance. His passions include conserving native grasslands and contributing to building a profitable and sustainable beef industry for future generations.
Biography:
Melissa currently resides north of Westlock, Alberta where she
farms with her fiancé and his family. They run a large dairy
operation and Melissa has the privilege of being a
first-generation cow-calf producer. Among her herd, she is
experimenting with a variety of different breeds, trying to decide
on which breed is more suitable for the colder temperature of
central Alberta and breeding for qualities to improve hybrid
vigor. She is also very passionate about genetics, which shows in
her purebred herd of speckle parks. Off the farm, Melissa is in
her fourth and final year in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
program at the University of Calgary. Upon graduation, she hopes
to become certified in embryo transfer and IVF technology. She
would like to incorporate these skills into the mixed animal
practice where she will be working.
Melissa is very honoured to be chosen as a finalist in the
Cattlemen’s Young Leader’s program. She is looking forward to
networking with fellow CYL finalists and individuals from the
industry. Her goals in this program are to gain more of an
understanding of feedlot management and nutrition and to gain more
appreciation for the veterinarian-producer relationship. She wants
to be able to work together with producers in the future to
develop lasting connections and shared decision making. Along the
way, she is also hoping to pick up pointers on developing and
expanding her cow-calf operation.
Biography:
John is originally from Manitoba. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the University of Manitoba in 1978. Upon graduation, he was employed as a Cattle Buyer with Canada Packers, training in Winnipeg and subsequently moving to buying stations in Brandon, Manitoba and North Battleford, Saskatchewan. In 1982, he enrolled in a Master of Science program at the University of Saskatchewan graduating in 1986. Concurrently, he spent two years as a Beef Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture (1984-1986). In 1986, he was hired as a Research Fellow and Ph.D. student at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1992. Subsequently he was appointed Professor and Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair in the Department of Animal Science, a position he held for almost 30 years, retiring in 2019. During his tenure at the University, he carried out research on cow-calf and feeding management, as well as roles in teaching and extension. Currently, John operates a nutrition consulting business in Saskatoon, SK where he lives with his wife, Evelyn.
Biography:
Nikki farms with her husband, Tyler, and his family, just outside
of Red Deer, Alberta. Her love of agriculture began at an early
age while growing up on her parent’s farm near Calgary, Alberta.
She grew up on a mixed farm and really started getting involved
when she started 4H. Nikki was an avid 4H member for 10 years
where she was successful with public speaking, various beef
projects, along with cooking and photography.
When attending college, Nikki was active serving on multiple
school boards, volunteering and representing the Aggies Club as VP
and President during her 2 years at Olds College. After
graduation, Nikki worked for two years before starting her own
agronomy company.
While running her agronomy business, Nikki began taking on a
bigger role on farm and has now started taking over management of
the cattle herd shared between her, her husband and her in-laws.
They have a small herd of Shorthorn/Angus cross pairs. She is also
an active member on the Agri-Trade Advisory Committee.
Nikki is thrilled to have been selected to take part in the CYL
Program. She is excited to be more actively involved in the
industry and to create more connections with her fellow finalists
and industry mentors. She is looking forward to the opportunity to
expand her knowledge and bring more value to the farm.
Biography:
Kelly was born and raised in agriculture, growing up on her family’s mixed beef and grain farm in central Alberta. After graduating from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, she returned to Alberta to run the family’s purebred cattle operation and assist with their livestock genetics exporting company. Kelly and her family operate NuHaven Cattle Co at Pine Lake, AB while maintaining her passion for agriculture and the youth of the industry through her involvement in industry organizations. In 2019, Kelly became the first female Chair of Alberta Beef Producers in the organization’s 50-year history. Currently, she is a board member of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation and Careers: The Next Generation. In the Fall of 2021, Kelly was appointed to the Board Chair position of AFSC.
Biography:
Rheanne Ritchie was born and raised on a small hobby farm in Olds,
AB. After completing her primary education, she completed a
Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree at the University of Calgary in
Zoology, and Environmental Sciences, respectively. Shortly after,
she met her husband and settled in Didsbury, AB where they are now
part of a third generation, centennial family farm. After she
finished her initial degrees, she knew she still wanted to have a
primary role in agriculture and wanted to be involved in the
cattle industry. This led her to applying to veterinary school,
where she was accepted and is currently in her final year.
Rheanne and her husband have a herd of commercial Red and Black
Angus cattle, and have a moderately sized farm dedicated to grain
and hay. Over the next several years, they hope to continue
growing their commercial herd and expand operations on the farm.
Rheanne hopes to work within the community as a veterinarian and
has high hopes of being a leader within the community, while
establishing meaningful and lasting relationships with clients and
producers in the area. Rheanne’s focus in her career will be as a
mixed animal veterinarian, but with a primary interest in bovine.
She hopes to establish relationships with the clients within her
community and producers where she can learn to navigate current
and future industry challenges in a collaborative fashion.
The CYL Program had been something that Rheanne has been
interested in for some time, especially after having several
friends participate in the program and speak of the amazing
opportunities to network, collaborate and learn. Rheanne is
looking forward to all the program has to offer and taking what
she’s learned into her career as a veterinarian.
Biography:
Dr. Egan Brockhoff is a strong advocate of the veterinary
profession, agriculture and agribusiness. He and his family
operate a third-generation mixed farm in central Alberta. He is an
experienced practicing swine veterinarian and University Lecturer.
Until 2021, he was the President and Managing Partner at Prairie
Swine Health Services in Red Deer, Alberta. In 2010, he began
providing swine consulting services in Southeast Asia focusing on
veterinary training, disease management and control, as well as
enhancing biosecurity capacity. In 2014, he joined the Canadian
Pork Council as a consultant and today serves as their Veterinary
Counselor. In 2020 he was the recipient of the Canadian Veterinary
Medical Associations, Merck Veterinary Award for Food Animal
Veterinarian of the Year.
Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Canadian African Swine
Fever Compartmentalization Working Group and the National
Biosecurity Standard Working Group. In September of 2021, he was
honored to have received the Allen D. Leman Science in Practice
Award at the Leman Swine Conference.
Biography:
Tia Schram is a 21-year-old beef producer from north central
Alberta. Alongside her family, Tia helps operate North Hill
Simmentals; a 500 head cow-calf operation with a focus on
longevity and quality beef production. Growing up, Tia was
actively involved with the Simmental and Angus breed associations
throughout her time exhibiting cattle across the country. Today,
Tia remains an advocate for junior programming, and continues to
pour her heart and soul into the purebred side of their operation.
She is very excited to continue to grow their brand as they
acquire more Charolais genetics.
Tia is currently enrolled in her final year of her undergraduate
degree at Concordia University of Edmonton where she is pursuing
her Bachelor of Management with a marketing emphasis. Her passion
for marketing stems from the agriculture industry and the
relationship-based style she experienced growing up. Upon
graduation, Tia plans to implement further business practices into
their current farming operation. As well as, furthering her
education at the graduate level. In addition to her passion for
agriculture, Tia finds herself invested in veterinary medicine and
the importance of quality practice management. She plans to
continue working alongside her veterinarian and mother to serve
their clients to the best of their ability.
Tia is extremely pleased to be selected as a 2021 CYL finalist and
looks forward to learning, networking, and serving the beef
industry.
Biography:
Mike Panasiuk is the owner and founder of Springside Farms,
located in Central Alberta which specializes in the production of
purebred Charolais breeding stock. With over 38 years in the
purebred cattle industry, he is an expert in the field of Canadian
beef genetics. Mike is actively involved in promoting the
Charolais breed as well as Canadian beef through his annual sales,
cattle exhibitions and youth mentorship.
Springside Farms consisted of over 300 breeding females, from
which they offer an annual selection of females and bulls for
sale. Each year, his farm boasts one of the highest grossing bull
sales in the country, falling in the top 5 highest averaging bull
sales within the Charolais breed for the last six years in a row.
Mike is actively involved in promoting the Charolais breed and has
exhibited his cattle across the country. In doing so he has
established valuable relationships with cattle producers from all
over the world including the USA, Australia and Mexico. Year after
year, Springside Farms genetics are the frontrunners, having
raised several national champion bulls and females. Mike has
imported and exported genetics as far as Mexico and Australia, and
was asked to judge the National Charolais Show in Guadalajara,
Mexico this past year.
Youth in agriculture is a high priority for Mike. Each year he has
included several youth members on his team in order to promote
agriculture as a viable career opportunity to Canadian youth. Mike
has been apart of the Youth Employment and Skills Program and is
excited to be a part of the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program this
year. He believes it is important to pass on the knowledge he has
gained throughout his career, but recognizes the importance of
having a fresh perspective and outlook brought by youth.
Biography:
Born and raised on his father’s beef farm outside of Wakefield in Western Quebec, Victor took an interest in farming at a young age. Since receiving his degree in Mining Engineering at Queen’s University in 2009, he has been working full- time on the farm. In 2017, he bought a farm neighboring the homestead and built his home where he lives with his wife and three children. He raises his own crossbred Red Angus herd, while also managing his father’s beef herd. The animals are rotationally grazed and the calves are sold as yearlings in the spring.
Biography:
Graeme and his wife, Heather, and their two young daughters,
Claire and Morgan, currently run Southern Cross Livestock - A beef
operation near Madden, Alberta. They manage a cow-calf operation
with a focus on year-round grazing both high legume pastures and
annual crop grazing. They have been successful in incorporating
intensive rotational grazing and winter grazing strategies into
the management system. Graeme has been living in Canada 29 years
after moving from Queensland, Australia and has been involved with
some of his mentors for most of that time, mentors like Doug Wray,
Jim Bauer, Grant Lastiwka and members of the Foothills Forage and
Grazing Association (FFGA). Southern Cross Livestock was chosen to
be one of the pilot ranchers for the McDonald - Cargill
sustainability pilot program, which turned into the Canadian
Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) in which he is still
heavily involved in to this day.
Graeme was past Vice President on the Agricultural Research
Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) board and sits on the
Research Advisory Committee of the Alberta Beef Producers. He
serves as a Director on the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC),
is the CRSB Research Committee Chairman, is involved in the UK and
Canada Agri-Food Research Council and is a mentor in the
Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program and mentor of the BCRC
researcher mentorship program. Graeme is also a past Director on
the board of FFGA, and is on the Calgary Stampede International
Agriculture Committee. Graeme is Founder and President of Union
Forage which is a cover crop and perennial forage seed company
that also mentors and trains its customers in regenerative grazing
management.
His passion is looking at new ways to do things and finding ways
to be profitable, both by cutting the bottom line, as well as
looking outside the box to improve profit margin and run a beyond
sustainable cattle grazing operation, as well as improving the
soil and environment they work with on their operation.
Graeme has been involved in the agricultural industry in his
capacity as a Director with the Alberta Crop Industry Development
Fund (ACIDF), FFGA, BCRC, CRSB and ARECA to try and help advance
agriculture in any way. He is always willing to lend a hand and
keen to talk anything grass to people.
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