NILE Merit Heifer Program accepting applications

Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer program are now available for the 2021-2022 year.

The 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 & Rodeo. The class of Merit Heifer recipients competes for best phenotype, top showman honors, best record book, best interview and overall top herdsman.

The program is also seeking those interested in donating a heifer calf for the upcoming year.

Applications are available online at www.thenile.org and must be received no later than 4 p.m. June 30. The 2022 recipients will be announced in late August.