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LIVESTOCK EVALUATION: 7:30 a.m. – Monday, October 13
Top of the line stock is brought to Billings to be judged by some of the region's best. The purpose of the Livestock Evaluation Contest is to provide an educational experience for youth to learn more about animal evaluation and public speaking. Through these skills, youth expand their knowledge about the agriculture industry.
Each team is made up of four (4) members, with the option of two (2) alternates for up to six (6) members per team. The top four (4) scores will count toward the team scores. Individual fees will apply for the two (2) alternates. A maximum of twelve (12) members per county/chapter will be allowed to judge.
The NILE offers four (4) divisions:
- Sr FFA Team (Jr & Sr in High School)
- Jr FFA Team (7th Grade - Sophomore)
- Sr 4-H Team (14-18 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
- Jr 4-H Team (8-13 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
Cost is $75 per team or $25 per individual.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30th. Please visit judgingcard.com to register. For 4-H teams without a Judging Card account, please call the NILE Office at 406-256-2499 to register. All registration fees must be paid by September 30th - online payment or check accepted - sorry, no COD's.
SALES & SERVICE CONTEST (FFA ONLY): 7:30 a.m. – Monday, October 13
Know a student that is looking to expand their knowledge of the customer service industry? Encourage them to ask their FFA Advisor about the Sales & Service CDE! The purpose of the Sales & Service Competition is to provide a member with the basic skills to take advantage of the career opportunities offered in the sales field.
Chapters wishing to take part in this competition will have the opportunity to sell their own product, a selected agriculture product, take a test of the sales industry and take part in a team problem. A team will consist of four (4) members from the same chapter.
Due to limited time, space and judges available, this contest is limited to the first 32 teams that register via judgingcard.com. Only one team per chapter will be allowed (Team A). Schools wishing to enter a second team (Team B) will be contacted. An entry fee of $50/team will need to be paid by September 30th - online payment or check accepted - sorry, no COD's.
Should you be interested in volunteering to judge the Sales & Service Competition, please contact Rob Yates at yat...@absarokee.k12.mt.us.
VET SCIENCE CONTEST (FFA ONLY): 3 p.m. – Monday, October 13
The veterinary science contest will provide students with opportunities to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science. This contest is run by the NILE and is not affiliated with nor governed by Montana or National FFA rules.
A team will consist of four (4) individuals from the same FFA chapter. One team per chapter.
Cost is $50 per team.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30th. Please visit judgingcard.com to register. All registration fees must be paid by September 30th - online payment or check accepted - sorry, no COD's.
HORSE EVALUATION: 9 a.m. – Tuesday, October 14
Students will gain new insights into equine science by evaluating and ranking horses based on breed characteristics, conformation, and performance. Participants will then defend their decisions through oral reasons.
Each team is made up of four (4) members, with the option of two (2) alternates for up to six (6) members per team. The top four (4) scores will count toward the team scores. Individual fees will apply for the two (2) alternates. A maximum of twelve (12) members per county/chapter will be allowed to judge.
The NILE offers four (4) divisions:
- Sr FFA Team (Jr & Sr in High School)
- Jr FFA Team (7th Grade - Sophomore)
- Sr 4-H Team (14-18 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
- Jr 4-H Team (8-13 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
Cost is $75 per team or $25 per individual.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30th. Please visit judgingcard.com to register. For 4-H teams without a Judging Card account, please call the NILE Office at 406-256-2499 to register. All registration fees must be paid by September 30th - online payment or check accepted - sorry, no COD's.
MEAT EVALUATION: 9 a.m. – Tuesday, October 14
The purpose of the Meat Evaluation Contest is to develop students’ abilities to evaluate meat animal products in order to optimize economic returns to producers and industry as well as to meet the needs of the consumer. Students will learn analytical skills, critical thinking strategies, cooperation, communication skills and understanding of appropriate meat terminology. This contest is run by the NILE and is not affiliated with nor governed by Montana or National 4-H or FFA rules.
Each team is made up of four (4) members, with the option of two (2) alternates for up to six (6) members per team. The top four (4) scores will count toward the team scores. Individual fees will apply for the two (2) alternates. A maximum of twelve (12) members per county/chapter will be allowed to judge.
The NILE offers four (4) divisions:
- Sr FFA Team (Jr & Sr in High School)
- Jr FFA Team (7th Grade - Sophomore)
- Sr 4-H Team (14-18 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
- Jr 4-H Team (8-13 years of age - as of Oct 1, 2025)
Cost is $75 per team or $25 per individual.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30th. Please visit judgingcard.com to register. For 4-H teams without a Judging Card account, please call the NILE Office at 406-256-2499 to register. All registration fees must be paid by September 30th - online payment or check accepted - sorry, no COD's.
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