The NILE Merit Heifer Program was developed 25 years ago to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business. Selected recipients that are awarded a heifer are chosen based on merit, future goals and ability to care for the animal.
This year, 23 young men and women were selected for the Merit Heifer Program. They will receive heifers from the gracious donors this fall. After a year of monthly reports, monthly meetings with industry professionals, breeding the heifers, and completion of other requirements these recipients will show at the 2024 NILE and then take full ownership of their heifers.
This year’s Merit Heifer Show will take place Friday, October 18th at the MetraPark Expo Center. The Progeny Pen Parade begins at 1pm and at 2:30 the NILE Merit Heifer Calcutta will take place followed by the show itself.
A special event will be held to celebrate 25 years of the NILE Merit Heifer Program. After the show, at 4:30pm in the Expo Center, a reunion will be held for all past recipients, donors and supporters. The event will pay tribute to the late Bill Pelton who passed away earlier this year and was instrumental in starting the Merit Heifer Program.
We’re excited to see young people continue to be interested in agriculture, and especially the beef cattle industry! Below is the list of the 2025 recipients and their donors.
Recipient Name — Donor
Josephine Baker of Barnard, MO — Hinkle’s Primecut Angus of Nevada,MO
Grace Bartos of Roy, MT — Redland Red Angus of Hysham, MT
Maddie Black of Gallatin Gateway, MT — Christensen Red Angus of Park City, MT
Raelee Chatwin of Burlington, WY — McCracken Charolais of Powell, WY
Madison Engel of Minatare, NE — Bullis Creek Ranch of Wood Lake, NE
Gracie First of English, IN — Stewart Select Angus of Greensburg, IN
Dani Hess of Park City, MT — Bar Star Cattle of Musselshell, MT
Kye Knaff of Shepherd, MT — Botts Angus Ranch of Huntley, MT
Allison Knutson of Bridger, MT — L Bar W Cattle Company of Absarokee, MT
Maeve Korthuis of Sprague, WA — 3C Cattle Company of Stevensville, MT
Madison Lafley of Deer Park, WA — Skookum/Betes Cattle of Moses Lake, WA
Morgan Lewis of Odessa, WA — TC CAttle Company of Warden, WA
Olivia McGregor of Hooper, WA — Horseshoe Angus Ranch/Meacham Land & Cattle of Connell, WA
Kade Meacham of Connell, WA — Lautenschlager & Sons Red Angus of Endicott, WA
Brand Melin of Ashland, MT — Knaub Cattle Company of Lodge Grass, MT
Makinzey Milesnick of Belgrade, MT — K2 Red Angus of Wheatland, WY
Chloe Morey of Lander, WY — Quarter Circle Livestock of Laramie, WY
Jayden Nate of Cokeville, WY — K2 Red Angus of Wheatland, WY
Maysa Peterson of Fallon, MT — Diamond S Ranch of Ismay, MT
Eva Petrick of Elgin, ND — CJ & L Livestock of Hermosa, SD
Joshua Pollari of Sidney, MT — Beery Land & Livestock of Vida, MT
Ashton Smeltzer of Glendive, MT — Sidwell Ranch of Columbus, MT
Davey Storfa of Lewistown, MT — Walborn Cattle Company of Hardin, MT
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