Schultz/Miller Family Receives Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America First Place Award

“It’s wonderful that we have a farm family legacy. I never take this for granted,” said Madeline Schultz, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach agriculture specialist, Gen 2. “I’m very proud of all the amazing women in my family,” added Madeline

The GoAg3 Celebration was held at Heartland Community College Agriculture Complex. The featured keynote speaker was Colleen Callahan, a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Several concurrent sessions offered educational activities throughout the morning. The GoAg3 Luncheon and Award program was held at Distihl Brewery and Beer Hall. Tours of the Midwest Food Bank and Radar’s Family Farm were enjoyed in the afternoon.

The Schultz/Miller family’s GoAg3 application included the stories of two Gen 1, three Gen 2, seven Gen 3, and four Gen 4 women and girls. They share a common love of livestock including dairy, beef, horses, sheep, poultry, dogs, and pigs. In addition, several other women in the family work in agriculture or have strong connections to the family farm.

The Schultz/Miller family honors the 64 years since the founding of Mil-R-Mor dairy farm, which relocated to Orangeville, IL in 2006. “I’m really proud Mil-R-Mor is a gathering place for the whole extended family. It’s great to have all the cousins over for our annual summer Ag Olympics, and showing calves at the district Holstein show,” commented Lorilee Schultz, Mil-R-Mor Herd Manager, Gen 3.

Beyond the four generation ‘farm business’, is a four generation ‘farm family’. “Ours is a story of entrepreneurship, of the women and men in our family finding innovative paths to succeed in agriculture, and of being there for each other through challenging times,” explained Madeline Schultz, Gen 2. “It’s a testament to the agrarian imperative, the will to farm, that runs deep in my family,” she adds. 

In addition to Mil-R-Mor Farm, the Schultz/Miller women contribute to seven individually owned farm businesses (including two in Iowa), one partnership farm, and three hobby farms. Their off-farm careers include university extension, animal nutrition, genetics services, agricultural banking, k-12 teaching, agritourism, and photography. Four of the Gen 3 women operate related entrepreneurial businesses with their husbands involving livestock transportation and custom forage harvesting.

“Beyond her impact in the multiple generations of the Schultz/Miller family, Madeline’s impact on women in agriculture throughout the US is truly amazing,” wrote Melissa O’Rourke, attorney and farm succession consultant, in her letter of recommendation. Madeline’s extension work included two decades of advocating for women while strengthening Annie’s Project farm management courses and developing new programs for women.

While raising their families and growing their businesses, the women make time to contribute to 30 different agricultural and rural community organizations. From serving on the local school board to being a fellow of the EU-U.S. Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative Fellowship for Young Leaders in Agriculture, the women have stepped up to advocate and lead.

“It is truly amazing to see the array of leadership accomplishments and the involvement in agricultural activities by the Schultz/Miller women,” said David Fischer, University of Illinois, retired Extension Dairy Educator, in his letter of recommendation for the Schultz/Miller Family.

Each generation is building on the strengths of previous generations. “I’ve been involved in the dairy industry for as long as I can remember, growing up in the barn from a very young age,” shared Ashlynn Schultz, Gen 4.  As the oldest fourth-generation cousin, Ashlynn, a high school senior, sees a bright future in agriculture.

“Through managing a herd of show animals each year, I became interested in how nutrition and genetics impact an animal’s performance,” Ashlynn said. That experience sparked her interest in pursuing a career in animal science. “I have learned that hard work truly does pay off and if I keep persevering, I can achieve almost anything,” she added.

The resilience of Gen 1 continues to inspire the family. Kathleen (Kaye) Miller grew up in Quebec and followed her husband to his new job in Illinois on her 21^st birthday with a baby in her arms and one on the way. Her daughter, Debbie, died in a farming accident just a few years later. Kaye persevered and brought smart business decisions to her family; including saying yes to purchasing Roxy, a Holstein cow that later earned the title of International Cow of the Century.  

Dorothy Schultz grew up in Chicago and wanted to study ecology. She was told that girls don’t go to college. She eloped on her 21^st birthday, marrying a police officer. The couple soon started a farm business. Holding on to her love of ecology, Dorothy donated land for Exner Marsh, a 220-acre state nature preserve.

“Applying for this award, gave all the women in our family an opportunity to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future,” said Lorilee Schultz. “We’re very grateful for this opportunity.” The Brandt Corporation, represented by Danielle Knox, presented the first-place Schultz/Miller family with a $5,000 cash award during the GoAg3 celebration. The family contributed the funds to the Kathleen Miller endowment at the Holstein Foundation. “We couldn’t think of a better way to pay it forward with this generous gift, than by adding it to my mom’s scholarship endowment for women,” said Madeline Schultz.