The NILE Merit Heifer Program was developed to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business. Selected recipients that are awarded a heifer are chosen based on merit, future goals and ability to care for the animal. Any youth that is between 12 and 16 years of age as of June 30 of the given year and is a 4-H or FFA member may apply. This program is not limited to youth in Montana. Interested applicants must submit an application (think of this as applying for a live animal scholarship) with a deadline of June 30 of the given year. Project participants will be selected by October and will be recognized at the NILE Stock Show in October.

Each program participant will own their heifer 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. During the program duration, participants are responsible for raising the heifer, arranging for her 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.

The program is completed after the heifer is determined bred, all record keeping has been completed and the heifer has been shown at the NILE Stock Show. 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.

Questions?
Program Coordinator: Shelby Shaw
shelby@thenile.org | 406-256-2499