INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Anna Miller, Western Livestock Journal

Anna Miller is no stranger to the Red Angus breed. A past JRA director who grew up on a Red Angus cow-calf operation in California, she says she always knew she wanted to be involved in agriculture. Growing up with interests in reading and writing, she first thought she wanted to be a book editor. However, when she learned she could combine her two passions of agriculture and writing in the world of agricultural communications, she was hooked.

It was her connection with another JRA member that caused her to visit Oklahoma State University when she was college hunting. Anna said she immediately fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere, not to mention the college’s reputation for its ag communications program.

Within a couple days of graduating college, Anna started working full time for the Western Livestock Journal, having already freelanced for the publication that spring. She has now worked her way up to the managing editor position.

In this role, Anna coordinates editorial content for the weekly newspaper, plus two other annual magazine issues. She authors content for these publications as well as edits content submitted by correspondents.

“Working at a small business usually means wearing a few different hats,” she said. “So, I jointly manage our social media accounts, along with a few other sundry tasks.

“My favorite part of the job is feeling connected to the people I grew up around and those I have met along the way. I truly believe the ag industry is made up of the best people, and I hope my articles and stories help give back even a tiny bit to the industry that raised me.”

HOW DID YOUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE EXPERIENCES HELP YOU PROFESSIONALLY?

I grew up in a small town, so community was most often the foundation of many of the activities I was involved in. I was an active member and leader in our local 4-H and FFA chapters, and I participated in a variety of projects, including raising and showing market and breeding beef animals. I also played volleyball and tennis.

In college, I was the reporter for both the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen and FARM Theory clubs and was a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club. I was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Being involved in high school and college organizations really made my educational experiences what they were. Outside extracurriculars are what give you the extra boost to prepare you for “the real world.” I formed lasting relationships, learned how to effectively communicate about my passions (cattle and agriculture), and learned so many professional skills that a classroom often doesn’t teach you.

HOW DID YOUR JRA PARTICIPATION PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE?

My experiences in JRA, particularly on the board of directors, truly helped me shape the path I wanted for my future. JRA gives you real-life experience, whether it’s connecting with those higher up than you, forming relationships amongst your peers or teaching you hands-on industry skills. When you are involved in a small, tight-knit industry like agriculture, relationships are one of the most important things to hold on to. There is no such thing as meeting too many people. You never know whom you’re going to meet again later in life. JRA gave me the opportunity to meet people from across the country, boosted my public speaking skills and gave me experiences to connect with others for years to come.

HOW DID SHOWING CATTLE SHAPE YOUR CAREER?

Showing cattle gave me an appreciation for the hard work that goes into the production side of raising cattle. I believe showing cattle should be a display of what you are proudest of at home, and therefore I always chose to show cattle I raised. There are often sacrifices to be made when you choose to show cattle, which is true of most things in life, especially in a professional aspect. You learn how to balance the things that are most important to you.

WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER?

My mom is hands down my No. 1 supporter. Without her encouragement, I likely wouldn’t have become involved in nearly as much as I did. When I was in high school, becoming a director on the JRA board was incredibly daunting to me. I always looked up to the previous board members and never thought I could fit the role. Without her strong encouragement — i.e., making me fill out the application — I would have missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life. Even today, when I live more than a thousand miles away from home, she is always supporting me, and I hope I make her proud. Love you mom!

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A YOUNG RED ANGUS ENTHUSIAST ON PREPARING FOR THEIR FUTURE?

Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. Getting out of your comfort zone is wildly awkward, but it’s usually short-lived and worth the payoff. B&B