The 2024-25 AYL participants met with Senators while at CFA AGM. L-R: Senator Robert Black; Malcolm Carnegie, AYL (Fillmore); Keenean Amy, AYL (Preeceville); Erika Stewart, AYL (Morse); Chansi Bourke AYL (Fillmore);Wyatt Gorrill, AYL (McKillop); Senator Mary Robinson. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Devon Walker)

By Alice McFarlane

APAS Young Leaders

Young leaders program looking for candidates

Jun 30, 2026 | 2:34 PM

With the right training and experiences, young farmers can provide meaningful input into agricultural discussions and policy changes at the local, provincial and national levels.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is continuing a program for farmers aged 18 to 40 to help cultivate the next generation of agricultural and community leaders. The 2026 APAS Young Leaders (AYL) Program provides guidance on policy development and firsthand experience in agricultural governance and advocacy.

Participants receive governance credentials to help them become effective leaders at all levels of government.

Emiley Saunders from Borden, Sask., was part of the 2023-24 program year. She said the experience covers several areas.

“Governance, advocacy and leadership are all such important skills to have whether you’re serving as part of a school board, a local government, a policy committee or a volunteer organization,” Saunders said. “Through the APAS Young Leaders program, we really got to experience a wide array of activities that translate into other areas of our communities, including agriculture.”

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AYL participants take part in APAS district and board meetings, policy committees, the APAS policy conference and resolution process at the APAS annual meeting. They can also present, advocate for and debate resolutions at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting, and attend the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Agriculture annual conference.

The program runs from October 2026 through September 2027 and requires a commitment of about 16 days over the year. All travel and program-related expenses are covered for successful applicants.

The application deadline is Aug. 31.

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by Alice McFarlane

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Young leaders program looking for candidates

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