My name is Kaylen Miller and I’m the 20-year-old daughter of Craig & Bev Miller. My family owns Mil-K Valley located in Orangeville, Illinois. I am very excited to be interning for the summer at the Brown Swiss Association. I work on my family farm, where we milk a combination of 45 Brown Swiss and Holsteins. My role on the farm
include milking, registering calves, record keeping, and
other day to day challenges that may arise.
During high school, I had the opportunity to serve as 2015 and 2016 Illinois State Swiss Miss as well as the Canton II Brown Swiss Princess. Throughout my time as a Junior Member, I have been very active; I exhibit and participate in the Illinois State Fair Junior and Open Dairy Shows, competing at the local and state level as well as World Dairy Expo. I have also attended national Brown Swiss conventions and competed in quiz bowl and showing in the National Junior Heifer shows. In addition, I have attended the National Holstein Convention for numerous years, exhibited at local & District Holstein shows, and participated in Dairy Quiz Bowl & Dairy Judging on the state and national level.
Through all of these events, activities, and time spent on the farm, I began to develop my passion for the dairy industry. While exhibiting and showing my animals, I have been continuously promoting and advocating for the industry that I love. Education and advocacy are the foundation of the dairy and agriculture industries, and I am happy to play my part through public education and interaction.
I am currently a junior at Iowa State University studying Agricultural Business and International Agriculture with a minor in Animal Science. This past fall, I had the opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a study-abroad program where I learned about trade, financial institutions, and culture. After
graduating college, I plan on exploring jobs related to the dairy industry with a desire to be overseas for a few years before coming home and taking over my family farm.
Some of my hobbies include scrapbooking, cooking, baking, reading, horseback riding, photography, and watching sports. My favorite sports teams include the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, and of course Iowa State Cyclones. I also
enjoying spending time with my family and friends.