2008 NILE Merit Heifer Program

Program chairman: Bill Pelton - Billings, MT
(406) 656-3615 or (406) 671-5100
bill@billpelton.com

Program Coordinator: Teddi Vogel-NILE Programs Administrator-Billings, MT
406-256-2497

Deadline for entry: Postmarked by September 15, 2008
NILE Dates Oct. 11-18, 2008

2008 Merit Heifer Show
Barn available -8 AM Friday Oct. 17, 2008
In Place – 10 AM Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, Expo Center
Interviews-12 PM Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, NILE office
Judging – 9 AM Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, Expo Center
Release – 6 PM Saturday, Oct. 18, 2007

The purpose of the project is to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to project participants chosen on the basis of merit, need, future goals and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 13-17, who is a 4-H or FFA member may enter. Entries are not limited to Montana. Entries will be made in the form of an application, (think of this as applying for a live animal scholarship) with a deadline of September 15, 2008. Project participants will be selected by October 1, 2008, will be recognized at the NILE Stock Show October 11-18, 2008 and will make delivery arrangements for their heifers in December 2008.

Each program participant will own their calf jointly with NILE until the completion of the program, at which time NILE officials will sign off and the participant will take full ownership of the heifer and her offspring. During the program duration, participants are responsible for raising the heifer, arranging for her to be bred, completing the record keeping procedure and bringing the animal back one year later as a bred replacement heifer for exhibit at the Nile Stock Show (October 2009). The program is completed after the heifer is determined bred, all record keeping has been completed and the heifer has been shown at the 2009 NILE. Note: participants will not sell their program animals at NILE, the purpose of this program is to help the participant start his or her own cattle herd.

Completed applications may be mailed to:
NILE Merit Heifer Program
PO Box 1981
Billings, MT 59103

Qualifications:

  • You must be ages 13 - 17 as of January 1, 2009
  • You must be either a 4-H or FFA member
  • Entries are not limited to Montana
  • Applicants must be a NILE member.

Criteria for selection:

Commitment to agriculture, future goals, financial need and the ability to raise the animal in a proper setting.

Application consists of:

  • Application Form (can be downloaded and filled out. Click here) Review cover letter for other requirements (click here).
  • A personal letter from you explaining current activities plans for your heifer, career goals and community involvement. Please limit the letter to one type written page.
  • Two (2) letters of reference. One letter should be from your 4-H Extension Agent of FFA Instructor; the remaining letter should be from an adult who is not related to you but knows you well enough to comment on your abilities and commitment.
  • NILE Junior Membership Application.

© 2006, Northern International Livestock Exposition