The Future Looks Bright at Cattlemen's Young Leaders Selections

While many farmers are hitting the fields this time of year, hundreds of beef industry members are heading to Calgary.

The Canadian Beef Industry Conference is happening August 15 -17 at the Calgary Stampede Grounds, and is a great place for people with a passion for cattle to work together and make the most of market opportunities.

The conference will cover topics such as cattle handling at weaning time, creating value and enhancing beef quality, and sharing about the nutritional value of beef with consumers.

One of the events at the conference on Tuesday, was the Cattlemen's Young Leaders selections for their mentorship program.

Their mentorship program was designed to help people ages 18-35 find their place in the beef industry. The winners of the selection process will be paired with mentors and receive industry-specific training.

24 semi-finalist were judged during round table discussions at the conference about topics such as succession planning and how to handle consumer education.

Lacey McRae from Vermilion, was one of the semi-finalists in this years mentorship program, and says she's explored different areas of the ag industry, but has always been drawn to cattle.

McRae owns some purebred Charolais cows, and farms with her husband.

She says, she applied to the program to challenge herself, take advantage of networking opportunities, and rub shoulders with industry leaders.

"Ultimately, I want to gain as many facets of the cattle industry as I possibly can, which I can bring back to my operation and work to improve. But also, just growing a community that I can also give back to."

16 winners will be awarded a spot in the program and be notified in the next couple weeks.