2021 NILE merit heifer deadline approaching

Youths who want to get a start in the cattle industry again have a chance to get a leg up from the Northern International Livestock Exposition.

Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer Program are available for the 2020-2021 year, with the deadline rapidly approaching.

The deadline is June 30.

The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship, meaning the recipients are given a young, live, heifer calf. The objective is to to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business and gain knowledge about the beef industry.

Program participants are chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. 4-H or FFA members who are 12-16 years old may apply. Applicants are not limited to Montana residents.

During the program duration, participants are responsible for care-taking, record keeping, breeding, and bringing the heifer back one year later to the NILE Stock Show and Rodeo. The class of merit heifer recipients competes for best phenotype, top showman honors, best record book, best interview and overall top herdsman.

“This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donors over the years,” NILE General Manager Jennifer Boka said. “We are truly grateful for them since the program’s inception.”

The NILE Merit Heifer Program is also seeking people interested in donating a heifer calf for the upcoming year.

Applications and a link to the YouTube video must be received no later than June 30 4 p.m. The 2021 recipients will be announced in late August 2020. Applications are available online at http://www.thenile.org

Application requirements are: 

• complete application form 

• character references

• written essay

• 3-5 minute YouTube video (should include, but is not limited to):

— an introduction

— facility tour

— current 4-H/FFA projects

— goals and objectives for the Merit Heifer

— voiced by the applicant.

For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, people can email Shelby at [email protected] or call the NILE Office at 406-256-2499.