NILE Merit Heifer
Legacy Program

The NILE Merit Heifer Legacy Program is open to youth who were awarded a NILE Merit Heifer between 2017 and 2022. This program serves as a continuation of the original NILE Merit Heifer Program by helping recipients take the next step in growing their beef cattle operations, while also honoring the legacy of the program’s founder, Bill Pelton.

Bill Pelton was widely recognized as an innovator and a leader who was consistently at the forefront of the beef industry. In his honor, funds previously raised will be distributed to past NILE Merit Heifer recipients to assist with the purchase of a bull, semen, or embryos. These investments are intended to support herd advancement and strengthen the long-term future of both the recipients’ operations and the NILE Merit Heifer Program itself.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a past NILE Merit Heifer recipient from the 2017–2022 classes
• Be actively building and maintaining a beef cattle herd
• Submit short- and long-term goals outlining:
• Plans for herd growth and retention
• Intentions to remain involved in the agriculture industry
• Provide proof of purchase for a bull, semen, or embryos
• If selected, submit a detailed follow-up report explaining how the funds were used

Application Details

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2026, by completing the online application form. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions prior to December 1, 2026.

Questions should be directed to the NILE Office at 406-256-2499 or shelby@thenile.org 

Applicant Testimony

I have read the rules of the NILE Merit Heifer Legacy Program and agree that all of the information presented is accurate and correct. I plan to continue promoting the NILE Merit Heifer Program, Progeny Pen Parade and the Legacy Program to past, present and future recipients. If selected, I will utilize the funds awarded to continue to further my current herd by purchasing a bull for use in my herd, semen or embryos. 

Photo, Video, & Social Media Release Form

I hereby consent to release for publication my name and/or photo(s) and /or video images submitted by the program applicant or taken by any authorized Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) employee, or any media representative for news and/or publicity purposes. This may include television, newspaper, magazine article, social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) and/or NILE publications (newsletters, brochures, NILE Web Page, etc.). I also agree to allow the publication or broadcast of my name in connection with any photo(s) and/or video images taken, and I understand that photos and /or videos for the media and /or World Wide Web may be used in publications and /or Web sites outside of NILE’s control.

I further acknowledge that I will not be compensated for these uses and the NILE owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings, and to any derivative works created from them.

I waive any right to inspect the uses of any printed or electronic copy. I hereby release the NILE from any claims that may arise from these uses, including without limitation claims of defamation or invasion of privacy, or of infringement of moral rights or rights of publicity or copyright.

NILE
P.O. Box 1981
Billings, MT 59103
Phone: 406-256-2495
www.thenile.org

NILE Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)3. Please consult your tax professional regarding the deductibility of non-profit dues/contributions.

NILE MERIT HEIFER LEGACY PROGRAM APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:

November 15, 2026.

No Hard Copies Will Be Accepted.

Questions? Contact: shelby@thenile.org