The Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the International Stockman's Educational Foundation are proud to host Canadian and international students at the 2012 International Livestock Congress - Calgary. This year the congress will be taking up to 20 successful students for the program.

One of our mandates is to reach out to future leaders. ILC-Calgary is proud to once again sponsor those students that are successful in the application process. The student program will start Sunday August 12, 2012 with students arriving at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in time for the ILC Student program orientation session at 6:00 pm, and run till Wednesday night August 15, 2012 with a closing barbeque event at The Ranch Restaurant at Bow Bottom Trail, Calgary. We think this is a great opportunity for the students to meet the leaders of the industry, hear the issues in the industry and the experts' perspectives on these issues, meet other students working in the field of agriculture and possibly meet their future employer.

Last year 20 agricultural students from Canada and around world were sponsored to attend the ILC student program. In the past, several program alumni pursued and obtained employment with Alberta's agricultural industry players.

Download ILC Conference Student Agenda - Coming Soon!

Why does ILC support a student program?

First, we promote agricultural education and training of our industry with our future leaders. We want to continue to engage students to identify the issues in our industry, increase their awareness of these issues and their global impact. Students will have the opportunity to hear, learn from and interact with global agricultural industry experts. We believe this learning experience will encourage these promising young people to continue their career in agriculture.

Second, to create vital exposure for our industry. Our industry today has a high demand for creative solutions. Getting youth involved at this level encourages a new generation with the energy, intellect and creativity we need to keep it sustainable. ILC - Calgary allows the students the opportunity to interact and learn from the agricultural industry professionals attending the conference as speakers, sponsors and stakeholders. Regardless of where the students are from, we are bringing young talent to this province - to experience and have an appreciation for Alberta agriculture and encourage our future agricultural industry leaders.

Here is a recent update on some of the
2011 ILC Student Bursary winners…

• Elliott Miller, Canada, has recently graduated from the University of Guelph and is working fulltime at a farm supply. He highly recommends the ILC and enjoyed the opportunity to network with other students and industry people. Attending the Congress was a great opportunity to network and remain connected with many people with similar interests in the industry.
• Bronte Doughton, Australia, is studying veterinary science at Charles Sturt University and is working at a sheep and cattle property. After attending ILC 2011, she has a new drive to pursue international opportunities and believes the learning and networking opportunities were second to none. She states that the Congress activities have given her new enthusiasm to be involved in the industry even though she is still a student.
• Calvin Bartel, Canada, is an animal science technology student from Lakeland College states that the ILC Student Program really opened his eyes to the importance of marketing beef. He states that he did a lot of networking and met many members of the livestock industry while attending the ILC 2011.
• Andrew Feller, USA, stated that the ILC 2011 was one of the most beneficial events involving the beef industry he has ever experienced. His fellow students helped him grasp an idea of what the beef industry is like in other countries, and how they can work together to beat common issues. He is currently finishing his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and plans to further his education.
• Andre Machodo, Brazil, took a position at Cargill Foods as a direct result of his attendance at ILC and Cargill's participation as a sponsor.
• Argenis Rodas, USA, from Texas Tech is now living in Lacombe, Alberta working at the Lacombe Meat Research Centre with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The ILC gave him the network to make this connection and future his career in the industry.
• Cathy Dodd, Australia, is seriously considering pursuing postdoctoral work in the Canadian Beef industry after attending the ILC 2011.
• Angela Japp, Canada, made some excellent networking contacts to prepare her for her job search. Her overall experience at ILC was great and she recommends it to anyone considering applying for the Student Bursary.
• Ashley Paton, Canada, enjoyed meeting other students in her field and is currently finishing her Masters of Science at the University of Manitoba.
• Michel Ray, Canada, is currently completing his Masters of Science at the University of Manitoba. He enjoyed the opportunity to meet industry leaders and network. He learned a lot about international beef production practices, current problems in the industry and ways in which individuals can help to increase industry value in Canada.

How can you participate?

STEP 1

Download Guidelines for 2012 ILC Calgary Student Application (.docx - 209 kb)

STEP 2

Complete Student Application Form (.pdf - 610 kb)
Download and complete this form if you'd like to fill it out by hand and fax or mail it in.

Complete Student Application Form (.docx - 213 kb)
Download and complete this form if you'd like to fill it in digitally and send it by email.