Merit Heifer program carrys on with Northern International Livestock Expo
The opportunity for kids started in the cattle industry is knocking, and loudly. Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer program are now available for the 2018 to 2019 year.
The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship, meaning the recipients are given a young, live, female cow. The objective is to to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business.
Program participants are chosen based on merit, future goals and ability to care for the animal. 4-H or FFA members who are 12 to 16 years old may apply. Eligible applicants are not limited to Montana residents.
Throughout the program, 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, best record book and overall top showman.
“This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donors over the years,” says NILE General Manager Jennifer Boka. “We are truly grateful for them since the program’s inception.”
In addition to applications from eligible kids, the NILE is also accepting information from ranches wishing to donate a heifer calf.
Applications and a link to the applicant’s YouTube video must be received no later than June 30. Applications available online at www.thenile.org.
Application Requirements include completed application; character references; written essay; and a 3 to 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, all voiced by the applicant.
An example YouTube video can be seen by visiting https://plus.google.com/u/0/107816237441223900629.
For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, please email Shelby at [email protected] or call the NILE Office at 406-256-2495.
