Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announce Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program Cohort Seven
News release
April 7, 2026 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Saskatchewan Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program announced the mentor-mentee pairings for cohort seven in Regina today.
This 18-month program provides emerging agricultural leaders with hands-on leadership development and opportunities to participate in decision-making that shapes the future of Saskatchewan's agriculture industry.
Participants of the program gain experience in agricultural boards and their governance, agriculture advocacy, business development, networking, media management and financial management.
This year's mentees and mentors are:
- Alexa Berezowski, paired with mentor Cody McNernie
- Cheyenne Quam, paired with mentor Krystal Tendler
- Holly Sparrow, paired with mentor Nicole Jones
- Jessica Davey, paired with mentor Alan Jackson
- Kaitlyn Kochanowski, paired with mentor Blake MacMillan
- Mark McMurphy, paired with mentor Todd Andries
- Kennedy MacNeil, paired with mentor Tom Harrison
- Cassidy Ross, paired with mentor Kelly Cruise
Mentees are selected by the Canadian Western Agribition Advisory Committee based on their application and letters of reference. Applicants must demonstrate clear strategic goals, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the agriculture community. Preference is given to individuals without access to similar leadership development opportunities.
This program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
"Programs like this are crucial in supporting the next generation and helping build a bright future for Saskatchewan's agriculture sector. Connecting young people with experienced mentors gives them the opportunity to learn and succeed in their careers, strengthening the agricultural industry as a whole."
- Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"The Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program has been influential in developing the next generation of agriculture leadership in our province. Thanks to the dedication of our mentors, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to lead the industry forward."
- David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture
"Cohort seven represents the next wave of leadership in Canadian agriculture. Through mentorship and shared learning, Agribition is proud to support this group of emerging leaders as they continue to grow, challenge perspectives, and strengthen their leadership skills. Their drive, curiosity, and commitment to the industry will help shape the future of agriculture in Canada."
- Shaun Kindopp, CEO of Canadian Western Agribition
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Jennica Klassen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Media Relations
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Regina, Saskatchewan
306-787-5155
ag.media@gov.sk.ca
Morgan Newby
Canadian Western Agribition
306-924-9603
mnewby@agribition.com