Since its inception in 1967, the Northern International Livestock Exposition has brought outstanding events to Billings and 2019 will be no exception.
The NILE Stock Show is a great opportunity for breeders, exhibitors, and consignors to show off their very best animals – whether it be in the show or sale ring, it’s all about preserving and embracing the western lifestyle. Between the Ranch Rodeo Finals and the one of the top notch PRCA rodeos in the region, rodeo fans of all kinds will have a great time this year.
A big focus of the NILE is helping young people. Both educating youth about agriculture and helping those involved in the industry get started with various scholarships.
Northern Ag Network’s Colter Brown interviewed Jennifer Boka, General Manager of the NILE to see what they’ve got planned for this year’s event.
The NILE began in 1967 when a group of progressive cattlemen and businessmen got together because they had a vision. Leaders like Pat Goggins, Conrad Burns, and Allen Walton knew the importance of Agriculture and wanted to make sure that generations later also knew the importance of this industry. Fifty years later here we are, we’re the largest stock show and rodeo in Montana. We have contestants from all of the United States entering our cattle shows, horse sales, and rodeo. The people of Billings feel our impact because our week-long event brings thousands of people to town. The vision was a membership organization–gathering like minded people to preserve and embrace the western way of life. What exactly is the western way of life? It’s a state of mind. It’s go-until-the-job-is-done-right work ethic. It’s teaching kids about life, leading by example, generosity of time and goods. It’s a grit-your-teeth-and-get-through-it attitude. It’s a way of life that we value in Montana and in our shrinking wide open spaces. If we don’t continue to promote what we love the American cowboy and cattleman will only be in pages of history.