Although there’s nothing like being in the show ring for 18-year-old Hannah Miller, one thing that comes close is being able to raise hogs for other kids to show and support them in chasing after their dreams.
“It’s definitely a rewarding experience to see other kids who are then able to chase their goals and achieve things. To know I was able to be a part of that means so much to me,” Miller says during her recent appearance on The PORK Podcast with host Jennifer Shike.
But Miller has achieved far more with her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project comprised of swine breeding and showpig sales. She was recently named the National FFA Champion in Swine Entrepreneurship Proficiency at the 2024 National FFA Convention in October.
Miller’s herd went from 18 pigs in 2021 to 60 in 2023. In just three years, Miller also increased her breeding swine’s conception rate from 66% to 100%. Miller is a member of the Prairie Central FFA Chapter in Illinois.
Life Lessons in the Barn
The daughter of well-known and respected purebred swine breeders Matt and Tammy Miller of Cabery, Ill., Miller is quick to point out she has her own operation. She makes all the decisions for her herd, but she can’t imagine doing it without the guidance and support of her parents.
“My SAE definitely helped me develop managerial skills and leadership skills. My operation is my own. It’s not my parents’ operation,” she says.
Miller says she has to remain alert and attentive to all the moving parts in her operation.
“For example, one time I missed a sow coming in heat,” she says. “I had to wait another 21 days to breed her. I talked to my dad, and he said, ‘Those are the things you have to always be alert for and attentive for, so you don’t make those mistakes again in the future.’”
Keeping Her Values in Check
Her willingness to constantly learn and then share her experiences with others is one of the reasons Miller draws a crowd of kids around her at the shows.
“Hannah is a light in our industry, she’s doing it right and is a great role model for kids,” says Chelsea Grieder, director of junior activities and events at Team Purebred. “She pushes herself hard at school while balancing being a good human.”
Miller credits her parents for helping her keep those core values in check.
“They’ve taught me by their example that I don’t need to let someone sway me in the wrong direction of what I believe. It might be the hard decision to make, but if I know what I deem is right, I’ll know how to proceed,” she says. “It doesn’t always have to be the popular opinion, as my mom likes to say.”
Making the Stock Show Industry Better
How do we make the stock show industry better? Miller says it’s not about a banner or prize. It’s not even about learning to work hard and be responsible. It’s much bigger than that, she says.
“At the end of the day, it’s not really about winning the show,” Miller explains. “It’s what I’m learning, what I’m taking away from it, what I’m able to get out of the industry. I’ve gained some of my closest friends. I’ve found so many mentors. I’ve discovered career opportunities, gained knowledge and now have a general idea of what I want to study – swine genetics.”
She’s also developed qualities, such as honesty and integrity, that have helped her be successful raising and selling show pigs.
“I definitely want to stay in the swine industry and defend it,” Miller says. “I also think it’s important for our older youth members to connect with the younger ones and show them our passion.”
If she could offer one bit of advice for younger exhibitors or families interested in showing pigs, she says find a mentor or someone you can learn from in the industry.
“Find somebody who is reliable, that you can trust, ask any question and always fall back on,” Miller says. “It’s a great feeling to know somebody’s in your corner.”
Go watch episode 6 of The PORK Podcast here or download it anywhere podcasts are found.
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