2010 NILE Merit Heifer program deadline draws near

The purpose of the project is to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to project participants chosen on the basis of merit, need, future goals and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 13-17 (as of Jan. 1 2010), who is a 4-H or FFA member may enter. Entries are not limited to Montana. Entries will be made in the form of an application, with a deadline of Sept. 15. Project participants will be selected by Oct. 1 and will be recognized at the NILE Stock Show.

Each program participant will own their calf 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 and her offspring. 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 (October). 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.

Completed applications may be mailed to: NILE Merit Heifer Program, PO Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103.

2010 NILE Stock Show – Merit Heifer Schedule:

• Move-in: 9 a.m., Wed. Oct. 13

• In place: 10 a.m., Thurs. Oct. 14

• Interviews: Start at Noon, Thurs. Oct. 14

• NILE Merit Heifer Show: 1:30 p.m., Fri. Oct. 15.