Eye On Ag- Nile Program

Primped and pampered, this bovine is more than just another yearling heifer getting ready livesto...  More »

Primped and pampered, this bovine is more than just another yearling heifer getting ready livestock show. She is part of a scholarship program for kids ages 13 to 17 called the NILE Merit Heifer Program. (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "The NILE Program is one of the few live animal scholarships offered in the nation where applicants, you apply obviously and scholarship winners receive a yearling heifer." Brittney Klein of Max, a NILE Merift Heifer Scholarship Recipient, applied to the program in August of 2008 and in January this yearly a black angus heifer from the Green Mountain Angus Ranch in Montana was delivered. (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "My donors are Kim and Chris Todd out of Ryegate, Montana. Generously donated her for my use." Immediately Brittney went to work to get her heifer in show shape which meant following some very strict guidelines set forth by the NILE Program. Things like Artificially Inseminating her animal, keeping a very detailed journal and report following the expenses, vaccinations, and diet of her heifer. (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "In additions to a report on the pertinent issues on what's going on in the industry." Now with nearly 10 months working with the animal and showing her at several shows in between, Brittney and her heifer are getting ready to head to Billings, Montana for the NILE Stock show that starts this Saturday, the final leg of the scholarship program. (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "It's not looking so much as Pheno type as it is how much you've washed it, how the hair coat is, how it looks, and your overall ring appearance, are you calm is your animal calm." After the show... (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "The the owner signs off on her and she fully becomes mine. The foundation heifer that is meant to be the start cattle herd for the scholarship winners.. Brittney says her experience so far with the Merit Heifer Scholarship program has really helped her better understand the cattle industry and put her in the ring with some of the industry's heavy hitters. (Brittney Klein, Max, ND - NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship Recipient) "You learn more about the industry and you get to network with some of the nations top producers. I know I've been able to network with quite a few high ranking officials that now a lot about the industry so it's a good experience all around. The only requirements to apply to the NILE Merit Heifer Scholarship is being a member of 4-H or FFA. With Your Eye On Agriculture, Shaun Sipma KX News.  « Less