Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) originated as an idea from the livestock committee of the Billings Chamber of Commerce in 1966. In 1967 the Public Auction Yards hosted an event to showcase the region's vast livestock industry. By the fall of 1968, a full-fledged livestock show with 250 exhibitors and 600 entries was underway. The first NILE consisted of livestock shows, horse shows, and rodeo and today those traditions continue as the NILE Stock Show and ProRodeo has become one of the largest agricultural events of the Northwest.
Through the years the NILE Stock Show has always been a show with some of the purest and most influential genetics in the world. The NILE is host to several national cattle breed shows each year as well as events like Gold Buckle Horse Sales, AQHA Ranch Horse Versatility Competition, Stock Dog demonstrations, renown Horse Clinicians and a multitude of other events.
The NILE ProRodeo is Montana’s Largest PRCA Rodeo. As one of the first “large” rodeos of the qualifying year, the NILE consistently showcases many of the top contestants in the PRCA.
In 2006, the NILE added a Ranch Rodeo to their fall event. The popularity of this event and the essence of displaying real American ranch cowboys in this type of event quickly spread across the region. In 2009 the NILE Ranch Rodeo Finals was established in which winning teams from NILE sanctioned Ranch Rodeos from across the region came to compete for the top honor of being the NILE series champion team.
Since the NILE’s inception, it has grown to incorporate a variety of other events like the PBR’s NILE Invitational, which is the longest running event stop of the elite Built FORD Tough Series. In 2008, the NILE purchased the Montana Agri-Trade Exposition (MATE Show) held annually the third week of February each year.
A large focus has been placed on programs to encourage youth participation like the Merit Heifer Program, Jr. Fed Show and Sale, Jr. Breeding Cattle Shows, Youth Judging Contests, school assemblies, and an agricultural education program for over 2,000 area 4th graders.
The first NILE was funded much the way it is funded today – through memberships from businesses, ranchers, and other supporters as well as sponsorships from corporate partners.
The NILE is dedicated to the promotion of livestock promotion, agricultural education, and respect for our western tradition. We believe those are important for the future of agriculture and we ask you to join us if you share those same values. As partners together we can accomplish more than any one individual.
NILE is a non-profit organization, 501(c)5, and is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education and respect for the western culture.
