Local 4-Hers compete at prestigious NILE

Members of Sanders County 4-H attended the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) held in Billings recently.

Coby Guenzler of Hot Springs showcased in Red Angus Cattle, Aubrey and Mackenzie Tulloch, also of Hot Springs, both showed heifers, and Plains' Jacob Hutchins in Junior Fed Market Lamb.

Guenzler had a great NILE, according to MSU Extension Agent Juli Thurston. This was his third year participating in the NILE's Junior Red Angus Show and first year in the open show. He showed three Red Angus heifer calves and a bred yearling Red Angus heifer. Guenzler earned Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship in the Junior Red Angus Show and received Reserve Champion with his spring heifer calf. He also received first place in a class, second in two classes and third in one class and placed third in his class in the open Red Angus show with his bred heifer.

According to Guenzler's mother, Carrie, "He also sold one of the heifer calves in the Red Angus sale. He was very happy with how much he got for her, it was more than expected," which is always a pleasant surprise for the kids considering the amount of time and work they put into raising quality market products.

The Guenzler family said the NILE is a lot of fun and pretty stress free. "He (Coby) just does it for fun, and to show his cattle, so it was great to see him do so well," Carrie commented.

The Tulloch family just returned to Hot Springs after living in Alaska for some time, which left little opportunity for honing up on showmanship skills. "Nothing like starting out with a big show for a beginner cattle showman," Wendy Tulloch commented on both her daughters' experience at the NILE. "Let's just say we learned a lot! We did not win any big prizes, but had a good time watching all the people, who are really into showing, work their magic."

Wendy is a NILE alumnus, having showed when she was in high school and college. She shared that she holds fond memories of the affair and wanted to give her daughters the opportunity to experience showing at such an advanced level.

"Things have changed a lot at the NILE since the 20 plus years ago that I showed," she recalled. "There were people from all over...Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Canada. Honestly, we felt a little rusty!" she added.

Both Aubrey and Mackenzie were impressed with how many people were they and how busy the expo building was. They were impressed with all the chores being accomplished; the washing, clipping and fitting cattle. The girls also enjoyed seeing all the different breeds of cattle.

Hutchins achieved honors as well by making the market sale with his lamb. "He did great!" exclaimed Thurston, Hutchins mother. "He made the sale which was an accomplishment for sure! They only sold about 30 to 35 sheep out of 150, so we are happy!" Hutchins had a great time at the NILE and is looking forward to participating again. "We would love to get more families involved in participating at the NILE," Thurston commented, "it's a fun show and you get to meet people form lots of other states too."

One of the Northwest's largest agricultural events, the NILE has been promoting livestock and agricultural education since 1966 when the Billings Chamber of Commerce developed the idea hoping to preserve this facet of western heritage. In the fall of 1968, 250 exhibitors brought 600 entries to partake in livestock shows, horse shows and a rodeo beginning a tradition true to today. The event is known for showcasing "some of the purest and most influential genetics in the world," according to the NILE. They also pride themselves on hosting the most prestigious rodeo in Montana.