USGC elects Indiana farmer board chairman

ANDERSON, Ind. — Indiana farmer Josh Miller was elected chairman of the U.S. Grains Council’s Board of Directors on July 27.

Miller is a fifth-generation farmer from Madison County. He grows 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans, primarily as a 100% no-till row crop operation.

He is an Indiana Corn Marketing Council board member and was elected to the USGC’s officer rotation in 2019.

“It is important to me to learn as much as I possibly can — not just about how to do the best job I can on the farm, but also to learn as much as I can about how what I do affects the world as a whole, how my efforts create global ripple effects that help sustain those who need what I grow the most,” he said.

Miller and his wife, Jennifer, have three young boys, Liam, 6, Declan, 4, and Cole, 1. Jennifer works full-time off the farm as a veterinarian for Elanco Animal Health.

The USGC is a membership-driven organization of corn, sorghum, barley producers and agribusinesses that support free and fair global trade.

“The U.S Grains Council promotes the sale of grains in all forms around the world,” Miller explained. “As a farmer, I fully understand the value of creating new international markets for our crops. I believe we are also helping those countries get the best products possible, too.”

Miller said USGC’s work in the aftermath of the African swine fever pandemic in Vietnam and China during the past few years is an example of the council’s effectiveness.

As hog operations transitioned to poultry in those regions, the USGC assisted farmers in determining poultry feed rations — something new to those farmers.

“By helping to grow the poultry sector in Vietnam and China, the U.S. Grains Council has encouraged those farms to buy U.S. grains to feed their flocks,” Miller said.

“We have built a great relationship there. We have a unique niche to build positive relationships and educate grain buyers internationally.”

Miller shared his goals for the year and his theme, Live the Mission, during his incoming remarks.

“We all have a vested interest in U.S. grains and we each have a commitment to make this industry work together — and when we live the council’s mission, we are the best we can be,” he said.