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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
McCall Linke, Communications Director
Northern International Livestock Exposition
(406) 256-2495
NILE Progeny Pen Parade Exhibits the Success of the Merit Heifer Program
Billings, MT--Cash prizes of $2,500 are up for grabs and recipients from the very first Merit Heifer class of 2003 through the class of 2015 are eligible for the 2016 Progeny Pen Parade. The NILE Merit Heifer Progeny Pen Parade, presented by Cargill is Friday, October 21 at 1 p.m.

Each exhibitor will be asked to present their project and will be judged by a panel of judges in three main areas: exhibitor presentation and ring presence, presentation of cattle, and phenotype of cattle. The exhibitors must speak for 2-5 minutes about their cattle. The point of this is to develop skills in communication, showmanship, marketing, and breeding program planning.

Entries are due this Thursday September 15 by 5 p.m. 

Entries for this show are free of charge. Must have at least two head of livestock and no more than three. The show is "pen style" which means cattle are shown without a halter and unfitted. For a full list of rules check out the premium book. 
 
The Progeny Pen Parade was developed so past NILE Merit Heifer recipients could showcase the breeding program they have developed since completion of the NILE Merit Heifer Program. Each previous winner can bring back their original Merit Heifer along with their progeny, or offspring. 
 
"The Progeny Pen Parade is a unique way for youth to showcase their animals," said Jennifer Boka, NILE General Manager, "It allows past participants of the NILE Merit Heifer program the opportunity to explain their breeding philosophy. This is a program that truly makes a lasting impression in kids' lives."
 
Each exhibitor is given $100 worth of Cargill cattle feed or mineral, a soft shell vest and the opportunity to win $2,500 prize money--all donated by Cargill. 

Cargill's goal is to be the global leader in nourishing people, and that vision comes to life through the NILE Merit Heifer Progeny Pen Parade.

Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and nearly 150 years of experience. Cargill has 142,000 employees in 67 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work. For more information, visitCargill.com and our News Center.

Questions contact shelby@thenile.org  (406) 256-2495 www.thenile.org
The Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is a non-profit organization 501(c)5 established in 1967 that is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education, and respect of the western tradition.  For more information on the NILE call (406) 256-2495 or visit www.thenile.org. The 2016 NILE is October 15-22 in Billings, Montana.