What the NILE FFA and 4-H Contests Are
During the Northern International Livestock Exposition in Billings, FFA and 4-H teams from across the region compete in judging and skills contests. The Livestock Evaluation, Sales and Service, and Veterinary Science contests all take place on the first contest day, Monday, October 12, 2026. Horse Evaluation and Meat Evaluation follow on Tuesday, October 13. The NILE itself ran October 9 to 17, 2026, with the contest day opening with a pancake breakfast served by the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee.
The Contests
| Contest | When | Fee | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock Evaluation | 7:30 a.m., Mon. Oct. 12 | $75 per team, $25 individual | 4-H and FFA; covers beef cattle, sheep, goats and swine |
| Sales and Service | 7:30 a.m., Mon. Oct. 12 | $50 per team | Students; first 32 teams, one team per school unless room allows |
| Vet Science | 3:00 p.m., Mon. Oct. 12 | $50 per team | FFA only; first 32 teams, one team per school unless room allows |
| Horse Evaluation | 9:00 a.m., Tue. Oct. 13 | $75 per team, $25 individual | FFA and 4-H; oral reasons required |
| Meat Evaluation | 9:00 a.m., Tue. Oct. 13 | $75 per team, $25 individual | 4-H and FFA |
In Sales and Service, the judges role-play customers for the day's designated item. Horse Evaluation came back in 2022 after a break of more than ten years, and Vet Science and Meat Evaluation returned because of strong attendance and local demand for professionals.
How to Enter
- Register through JudgingCard.com (phone 979-575-2686). The registration deadline was September 30, 2026.
- Pay the team or individual fee by the deadline. The previous year's notice listed online payment or check, with no COD.
- 4-H teams without a JudgingCard account can call the NILE office.
- Show up for the pancake breakfast and your contest time at MetraPark.
Who Can Enter and Rules
The contests are open to FFA and 4-H members, and chapters and clubs come from all over the nation. In the 2025 registration notice, team rules were:
- Livestock, Horse and Meat teams: four members plus up to two alternates; the top four scores count toward the team score; alternates pay the individual fee.
- Sales and Service and Vet Science: four members from the same chapter; one team per chapter unless the NILE contacts a school about a second team.
- Divisions in 2025: Senior FFA (high school juniors and seniors), Junior FFA (7th grade through sophomore), Senior 4-H (ages 14 to 18 as of October 1) and Junior 4-H (ages 8 to 13).
- Vet Science and Meat Evaluation are run by the NILE and are not governed by Montana or National 4-H or FFA rules.
Check the current JudgingCard registration for any changes.
Where
MetraPark, 308 6th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. The NILE uses the Expo Center, First Interstate Arena and Montana Pavilion.
Questions
Can an individual enter without a team?
For Livestock, Horse and Meat Evaluation, yes: individual entries are $25.
Is Vet Science open to 4-H?
No, it is FFA only.
Who do I call?
NILE office: 406-256-2495. Program coordinator Shelby Shaw: 406-256-2499. Mailing address: PO Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103.
Official Links
- NILE FFA and 4-H Contests
- NILE Stock Show at MetraPark
- 2025 NILE contest registration notice
- Montana Ag Ed calendar 2026-27 (PDF)
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.