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.

Applications for the 2025 George Miller Memorial Scholarship are due April 1, 2025. The scholarship fund was created in honor of the late George Miller, who was an icon within the Holstein Breed and dedicated to preparing youth for futures within the dairy industry. Launched in 2023, the scholarship supports a student who serves as a leader within the dairy industry and their communities. Qualifying college students are invited to apply for the $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship fund is hosted by the Holstein Foundation, awarded by Holstein Association USA, and supported by Select Sires, who have been allocating funds for this scholarship from semen sales of 7HO15807 GEORGE MILLER, a previous NxGEN® sire.

“It’s an honor to continue to preserve George Miller’s legacy through this scholarship,” says Diedra Harkenrider, Director of Development for the Holstein Foundation. “We encourage all eligible college students with a strong interest in dairy to apply.”

The George Miller Memorial scholarship will be awarded at the 2025 National Holstein Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Application information can be found on the Holstein Foundation’s Website, www.holsteinfoundation.org, under “Scholarships.”

Applicants must be a junior or adult member of Holstein Association USA and currently enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program. They must also be a U.S. citizen attending college full-time in the U.S. and pursuing an agricultural degree with dairy-related experiences and career interests.

Last year’s scholarship recipient, Benjamin Styer of Menominee, Wisconsin, is attending the University of Minnesota and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Ben says he hopes his future role will allow him to develop genuine relationships, advocate for agriculture, and make a difference in the dairy industry, just as George Miller did.

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.