The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard's Dairyman.
The first George Miller Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kylie Konyn of Escondido, California during the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Kylie received her $1,000 scholarship during the Junior Awards Luncheon on June 27, 2023.
Kylie is attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison and pursuing a bachelor's degree in dairy science with certificates in ag business management and science communications. She was raised on her family’s dairy farm in San Diego, California and aspires to become a dairy cattle nutritionist or management consultant.
In her scholarship application, Kylie wrote, “Although I did not have the opportunity to meet George Miller, I have so many questions to ask this dairy legend. I am confident in the legacy he left and aspire to make a change in the dairy industry, both today and in the future, just as he did. As I look forward to further involvement in the Holstein breed, I aspire to use the skills and relationships that I have developed to further impact the lives and industry around me, just as George did.”
The George Miller Scholarship fund is hosted by the Holstein Foundation, awarded by Holstein Association USA, and supported by Select Sires Inc., who has been allocating funds for this scholarship from semen sales of 7HO15807 GEORGE MILLER, a previous NxGEN® sire.
“We really wanted the scholarship to memorialize and remember what George was passionate about. George was passionate about youth, particularly youth that wanted to give back to the industry in some fashion after their education is complete,” says Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding at Select Sires Inc. “George was also a great ambassador for the Holstein Association and really believed in the programs and services the Holstein Association has offered.”
About the Award
George Miller made significant contributions to the dairy and A.I. industries throughout his lifetime. He exhibited an unmatched passion for good cows and the breeders he worked beside. George grew up helping on his uncle’s dairy farm, the birthplace of 7HO58 Round Oak Rag Apple ELEVATION (EX-96-GM). George Miller was a pioneer for genetic advancement in the dairy industry and played a major role in the breeding decisions that produced ELEVATION.
George Miller attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, earning a degree in animal husbandry and a master’s degree in dairy science. George spent most of his career at Select Sires joining the staff in 1973 where he worked as the cooperative’s marketing manager before retiring in 1991.
