NILE Merit Heifer Program Accepting Applications For 2023-2024

An incredible opportunity for today’s youth to get involved in the cattle industry is the NILE Merit Heifer Program.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 year.

The NILE Merit Heifer program is a live animal scholarship.

Recipients receive a heifer calf to help them get a start in the beef cattle business and gain knowledge about the beef industry.

During the program, participants are responsible for caretaking, record keeping, breeding, and bringing the heifer back to the NILE Stock Show as a bred heifer to compete for honors such as top showman, top heifer, and top herdsman.

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.

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

If you are interested, please contact Shelby at (406) 256-2499.

Applications and a link to the YouTube video must be submitted via email to shelby@thenile.org no later than June 30, 2023.

No hard copies will be accepted.

The 2024 recipients will be announced in late summer of 2023.

Click here for an application.

Application Requirements:

     * Complete application
     * Six character references (three to contact; three letters of reference)
     * 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

Click here for example youtube videos.

For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, please email Shelby at shelby@thenile.org or call the NILE Office at (406) 256-2499.

Two Sheridan County teens were each awarded a heifer back in October 2021.