“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.