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.

Benjamin Styer of Menominee, Wisconsin has been selected as the 2024 George Miller Memorial Scholarship recipient. He was recognized during the Junior Awards Breakfast at the 2024 National Holstein Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The scholarship was established in 2023 to honor George Miller and his significant contributions to the dairy and A.I. industries.

“I hope my future role will enable me to develop genuine relationships, advocate for agriculture, and make a positive difference in the dairy industry,” Benjamin says. “While I never met George Miller, from what I’ve heard and read about his life, these goals could suite George’s life too. He was a friend to all, honest, and passionate about the Holstein cow: qualities I hope I can emulate.”

Benjamin is attending the University of Minnesota, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He grew up on his family’s Alfalawn Farms active in showing dairy cattle and dairy judging. Benjamin is still pursuing these passions and was a member of the first-place team overall and first-place individual overall at the 2023 National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest.

Benjamin hopes to pursue a career in dairy genetics, before later returning home to his family’s dairy farm to develop the herd’s genetic programs.

“We were thoroughly impressed with all the applicants for the George Miller Scholarship,” says Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding at Select Sires Inc. “We are assured our industry is in great hands with future leaders like Benjamin.”

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.

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.