What the NILE FFA and 4-H Contests Are
During NILE week in Billings, FFA chapters and 4-H clubs from across the region compete in career-development style contests. On Monday, October 12, 2026 the lineup was Livestock Evaluation, Agriculture Sales and Service and Vet Science. Horse and Meat Evaluation followed on Tuesday, October 13. The day starts with a pancake breakfast served by the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee. The NILE runs these contests itself, so they are not governed by Montana or National 4-H or FFA rules.
The Monday Contests
| Contest | Start | Fee | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock Evaluation (beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine) | 7:30 a.m. | $75 per team, $25 individual | Teams and individuals |
| Agriculture Sales and Service | Registration 6:30 a.m., contest 8:00 a.m. | $50 per team | Teams of four from one FFA chapter; first 32 teams |
| Vet Science | 3:00 p.m. | $50 per team | FFA only; first 32 teams |
How Sales and Service Works
This contest builds basic sales skills for careers in the sales field. A team is four students from the same chapter, and each chapter may enter two teams (A and B), with A teams getting priority. The contest has three parts:
- Written test: every student takes a 25-question test.
- Team sales situation: teams get 20 minutes to analyze product information provided at the event and plan a sales call strategy covering customer needs, features and benefits, and objections, followed by a 10-minute question session with the judges. Teams are judged on teamwork, involvement and justifying decisions with selling principles.
- Individual sales activity: each student sells to a judge playing a customer who may decline to buy. Students get 20 minutes to build rapport and ask probing questions, using a one-inch binder. The physical product is not brought.
Registration and breakfast are at the Expo Center from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m., the judges meeting is at 7:30 a.m., and lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m. on a prepaid $10 ticket.
Awards
In Sales and Service the top team receives an award jacket, second and third place teams receive plaques, and the top three individuals receive plaques.
Key Dates and How to Enter
Entry and payment were due September 30, 2026, with no late entries and no refunds after that date. Register teams at JudgingCard.com (ID 17526); new users can reach JudgingCard at (979) 575-2686. Payment is by check or credit card to NILE, P.O. Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103, or by phone. Purchase orders are not accepted and payment must be made in full before arrival.
Where
The contests are held at MetraPark, 308 6th Avenue North, Billings; Sales and Service meets in the Expo Center with lunch on the Arena Concourse.
Questions
Who do I call?
The NILE office at (406) 256-2495 for payments and general questions, or program coordinator Shelby Shaw at 406-256-2499.
Can 4-H members enter?
Livestock, Horse and Meat Evaluation are open to 4-H and FFA. Vet Science is FFA only.
Official Links
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention and Trade Show
The 107th annual convention of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Billings, November 15 to 18, 2026.
27 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101 | Organizer: Montana Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention and Trade Show
Montana Stockgrowers Association convention with trade show, Stockgrowers Colleges, policy sessions and a Grand Finale Banquet, December 3 to 5, 2026, at the DoubleTree and the Northern Hotel in Billings.
- Chase Hawks Rodeo
One-day rodeo in Billings on December 26, 2026, on the Montana pro rodeo calendar. Held each year around the holidays.
Billings, MT Official event details - Montana Wool Growers Association Annual Convention
Sheep industry convention of the Montana Wool Growers Association. Held each year; the most recent dates were December 4 to 7, 2025, in Billings.
Billings, MT | Organizer: Montana Wool Growers Association Official event details - MontanaFair 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Shows
Two-week 4-H and FFA program at MontanaFair in Billings, from interview judging to horse, small animal, sheep, goat and livestock classes. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 3-15, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.