A dozen Albertans have been named as semi-finalists for the Cattlemen's Young Leaders program.

The national youth initiative is put on by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association.

Twenty-six semi-finalists were chosen from a pool of more than 50, and will now be vying for 16 mentorship positions in the 2017 program year.

Among the Albertans chosen are: Lee Creech, Kaycee Lunde, Matt Kumlin, Ben Wilson, Lacey McRae, Kailin McLachlan, Cale Toews, Ashley Gaudet, Cameron Olson, Kayla Weston, James Jenkins and Melissa Lee.

The semi-finalists will face the final round of the competition at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, August 15-17, 2017 in Calgary at the BMO Centre.

Finalists for the 2017-18 program year will be selected at the CYL Selections and Graduation event on August 15, 2017 in Calgary, in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. The 26 Cattlemen's Young Leaders semi-finalists and program graduates will also be attending the conference.

Following the final selection, CYL candidates will be paired with a mentor for a nine-month mentorship in their area of interest.