NILE Merit Heifer Introduces New Application Deadline

Northern International Livestock Exposition Merit HeiferThe Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is once again taking applications for participants in the 2015 – 2016 NILE Merit Heifer Program.  The Merit Heifer program is a “live animal” scholarship that strives to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to participants chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 12-16, who is a 4-H or FFA member, may apply.

Due to the high volume of applicants in previous years, the NILE Merit Heifer Selection Committee has made the decision to change the deadline and give the application process a face lift. While the written application process will remain the same, this year’s applicants will have to submit a 3-5 minute YouTube video of themselves that includes but is not limited to the following: an introduction, facility tour, current 4-H/FFA projects, goals & objectives for the Merit Heifer, and the video must be voiced by the applicant. Applications and YouTube video must be received no later than 5 pm June 30th, 2015. An application is available online at www.thenile.org or by calling the NILE office. An example YouTube video can be seen here.

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.

Bill Pelton, Merit Heifer Chairman, says, “This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donor ranchers and we are very grateful to them.” This year the NILE will select twenty-five recipients and match them up with donors from across the region.  In addition to application from eligible recipients, the NILE is also taking applications from ranches wishing to participate through the donation of a heifer calf.

For more information regarding the NILE Merit Heifer Program, please go to: www.thenile.org, email Shelby at [email protected] or call the NILE Office at 406.256.2495

NILE Merit Heifer Applications Now Online!

nile merit heifer programThe Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is once again taking applications for participants in the 2014 – 2015 NILE Merit Heifer Program.  The Merit Heifer program is a “live animal” scholarship that strives to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to participants chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 12-16, who is a 4-H or FFA member, may apply.

Applications must be postmarked no later than September 15.  An application is available online at www.thenile.org or by calling the NILE office.

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.

Bill Pelton, Merit Heifer Chairman, says, “This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donor ranchers and we are very grateful to them.”  This year the NILE will select twenty-five recipients and match them up with donors from across the region.  In addition to application from eligible recipients, the NILE is also taking applications from ranches wishing to participate through the donation of a heifer calf.

All application must be postmarked by September 15, 2014.  For more information and applications regarding the Merit Heifer Program, please go to:  www.thenile.org or call the NILE office at 406.256.2495.

NILE Scholarships Now Available

Northern International Livestock Exposition Foundation logoBillings, Mont. – The NILE Scholarship program funded by the NILE Foundation, is now accepting applications for scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Since 1990, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students that have been actively involved in their respective programs and communities, excelled in the classroom, and participated in NILE events. “New this year are the Joe Fouts Memorial 4-H and FFA Scholarships. Awarding this scholarship to both a 2014 graduate and 4-H member as well as, a graduating FFA member is truly an honor. All of us at the NILE are thrilled to continue the mission of the organization by assisting in the education of our youth.” says Jennifer Noble, General Manager of the NILE. “Fouts was a member of 4-H for 10 years and remained a strong supporter of 4-H and FFA throughout his life. These scholarships will continue his legacy of support for these organizations.”

Similar to last year, the NILE Scholarship Committee will be awarding three levels of scholarships. First will be the one-time scholarship awarded to high school seniors, similar to what the NILE has always done. The second level of scholarships offered will also be a one-time grant, but will be for students already enrolled in College or a Vo-Tech school. Finally, the third level, which will offer the greatest scholarshiped amount, will be a rolling scholarship. The rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.

Each year the NILE touches the lives of nearly 10,000 youth through its many programs, events, “live” animal scholarships, and college scholarships. Every year the NILE provides over $55,000 in cash and live animal scholarships.

The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education, and respect for the western culture.

Scholarship applications and guidelines can be found at the NILE’s website, www.thenile.org/scholarships or by contacting the NILE Office. Applications must be into the NILE Office by March 14, 2014. Applications incomplete or late will not be considered. Scholarships will be awarded and announced in April.

 

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