APAS Young Leaders

CONNECT with agricultural producers

LEARN from industry mentors

ADVOCATE for positive changes

• APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2025-26. APPLY HERE BY AUG. 31, 2025!

The APAS Young Leaders (AYL) program, presented by Farm Credit Canada, brings together interested young farmers between the ages of 18 and 40 to cultivate the next generation of agricultural and community leaders.

Participants also receive governance credentials, equipping them to become effective leaders at local, provincial and national levels in agriculture.

APAS Young Leaders is proudly sponsored by FCC, RBC, BASF, and Co-operators.

The AYL program was established in 2014. In collaboration with the APAS board, program alumni and other young producers, participants engage in grassroots policy development by:

• Participating in APAS district and board meetings.
• Joining APAS policy committees, attending the APAS policy conference and contributing to the resolution process at the APAS AGM.
• Presenting, advocating for and debating resolutions at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture AGM.
• Attending Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Agriculture annual conference.
• Completing a governance training certificate.
• Actively engaging with elected officials.

These activities offer a unique opportunity for participants to actively contribute to policy development and gain firsthand experience in agricultural governance and advocacy.

Participant Testimonials

"If this program doesn't build you connections and friendships and role models in this industry, I don't know what does. I know I can call these people, I know I can knock on their doors, I know I can do whatever I need to do to help further Saskatchewan agriculture for the rest of my career."

- Carlie Bowditch, RM of Tisdale #427. Mentee, 2022/23

"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. 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."

- Emiley Saunders, Borden, 2023-24

"This program showed me that farmers have the ability and power to communicate with government bodies and can provide meaningful input into the dicussions and changes being made. We were encouraged to be active contributors in the meetings, including with federal politicians and cabinet ministers. It was a very valuable learning experience and I feel more confident taking leading roles in situations that I might have previously been hesitant to step into."

- Neil Gossner, LeRoy, 2023-24

"Being able to craft and deliver your message in a memorable way is such a key skill, and I got to see that in action and practice it myself. When you’re advocating for agriculture you really need to be able to articulate your point and get to the heart of the issue with people who may have no background in ag at all, and I feel really prepared to be able to do that now."

- Nicole Rempel, Nipawin, 2023-24

Past Program Participants

2024

 

Malcolm Carneigie (Fillmore No. 96)

Keeanean Amy (Preeceville No. 334)

Erika Stewart (Morse No.165)

Chansi Bourke (Fillmore No.96)

Wyatt Gorrill (McKillop No.220)

2023

 

 

The 2023-24 AYL participants 
Left to Right
Nicole Rempel, AYL (487)

Anne Remlinger, AYL (221/ 251)

Emiley Saunders, AYL (405)

Minister of Agriculture and Agri - food Lawreance MacAulay

Julie Mortenson, AYL (280)

Neil Gossner, AYL (339)

2022

Eric Martens – RM of Lonlaketon, #219
Carlie Bowditch – RM of Tisdale, #427
Morgan Follensbee – RM of Newcombe, #260
Ashley Van Meter – RM of Moose Range, #486

2021

Madison Englot – RM of Montmarte, #126
Brett Spray – RM of Hazel Dell, #335
Sarah Leguee – RM of Wellington, #97
Glen Munholland – RM of McKillop, #220

2020

Jocelyn Velestuk, RM of Elcapo #154
Reid Daley, RM of Laurier #38 
Michelle Ross, RM of Wolseley #155
Devon Walker, RM of Wilton #472
Kirk Lishchynsky, RM of Fish Creek #402 (not pictured)

2019

Brandt Carter • RM #228 Lacadena
Paige Stewart • RM #96 Fillmore
Amanda Logel • RM #217 Lipton
Stephanie Sylvestre • RM #190 Dufferin
Stuart Chutter • RM #185 McLeod

2018

Dennis Clarke • RM of McLeod, #185
Ashten Douhaniuk • RM of Grayson, #184
Karlah Rae Rudolph • RM of Webb, #138
Adrienne Ivey • RM of Ituna Bon Accord, #246
Megz Reynolds • RM of Lacadena, #228 
Jessica Raycraft • RM of Tramping Lake, #380
Lynn Crossman • RM of Paddockwood, #520
Seraina Giovanoli • RM of Porcupine, #395
Matthew Hunter • RM of Golden West, #95

2017

2016

Spencer Maxwell • RM of Moose Range, #486
Danny Ottenbreit • RM of Grayson, #184
Daryl Fransoo • RM of Mervin, #499
Devin Harlick • RM of Piapot, #110
Matthew McKinnon • RM of Chesterfield, #261

2015