Justin Miller, Canyon, Texas, joined the American Hereford Association (AHA) as director of commercial programs March 16.

With more than 25 years of experience working in cattle procurement, feedyard marketing, carcass data analysis and branded beef programs, Miller will bring a relationship-driven and data-focused approach to his position. Miller received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and holds a master’s in agricultural business and economics from West Texas A&M University. He was a cattle buyer for the JBS USA processing facility in Cactus, Texas, for more than 22 years.

“I’m excited to return to the production side of the cattle industry after spending more than 25 years working with packers and feedyards. During that time, I’ve built strong relationships with feedyards and feeder cattle buyers which I look forward to bringing to AHA members and their commercial customers,” Miller says. “I’m eager to offer a perspective that connects the seedstock, commercial, feeding and packer sectors of our industry. I’ve always enjoyed thinking outside the box, and I look forward to helping users of Hereford genetics capture more value throughout the supply chain.”

As the director of commercial programs, Miller will lead the strategic growth and development of Hereford-influenced feeder calf and commercial female marketing opportunities and oversee the Hereford Feedout programs. He will collaborate with the Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) team to coordinate ranch tours, audit CHB packers and manage the CHB affidavit program. Additionally, he will organize and analyze performance data received from CHB packing partners.

“Justin brings a wealth of industry experience to his role with the AHA,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. “We are excited to have him join Team Hereford and we look forward to seeing how he further develops and leverages the demand for Hereford-influenced genetics.”

Miller can be reached at jmiller@hereford.org.