Released on April 7, 2026
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.
“Programs like this are crucial in supporting the next generation and helping build a bright future for Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector,” Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said. “Connecting young people with experienced mentors gives them the opportunity to learn and succeed in their careers, strengthening the agricultural industry as a whole.”
"The Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program has been influential in developing the next generation of agriculture leadership in our province," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "Thanks to the dedication of our mentors, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to lead the industry forward."
Participants of the program gain experience in agricultural boards and their governance, agriculture advocacy, business development, networking, media management and financial management.
"Cohort 7 represents the next wave of leadership in Canadian agriculture," Canadian Western Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp said. "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."
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; and
- 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 5-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 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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For more information, contact:Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
Phone: 613-773-7972
Email: aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5155
Email: ag.media@gov.sk.ca
Morgan Newby
Canadian Western Agribition
Regina
Phone: 306-924-9603
Email: mnewby@agribition.com