The History of the Miller Family
Willard Miller
M. Willard Miller (1914 – 1997)Born in Bridgewater, Virginia, M. Willard Miller was a dedicated farmer, businessman, and community leader. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1940 and went on to build a lifelong career in agriculture.
Willard was the owner and operator of Miller Farms, Inc., and served with Southern States Cooperative, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia, beginning in 1966. He held several leadership positions there, including Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Chief Executive Committee member from 1982 to 1986.
He also served as President and Director of Dairymen, Inc., and was a Director for the Federal Land Bank of Warrenton, Virginia, where he later became a member of the Executive Committee for the Baltimore branch. Earlier in his career, Willard worked as a county agent with the Virginia Extension Service, helping local farmers improve their operations.
Recognized for his contributions to Virginia agriculture, M. Willard Miller was listed as a noteworthy farm supply company executive by Marquis Who’s Who.
Wayne Miller
Wayne Miller (born-1948), son of Willard and Josephine Miller, carried forward the Miller family’s proud farming legacy with dedication, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. Growing up on the family dairy, Wayne learned the values of hard work and stewardship from an early age.
After graduating from Bridgewater College, where he was active in campus life during the mid-1960s, Wayne returned home to continue building on the strong foundation his parents had created.
He and his wife, Jo Anne Cahall Miller, together managed and expanded Miller Farms, guiding it through decades of change in Virginia agriculture. In the fall of 2003, Wayne made the thoughtful decision to sell the family’s dairy herd, marking the end of a chapter that began in 1957. This transition opened a new era for the farm, focusing on crops, produce, and direct-to-customer sales through Miller Farms Market.
Beyond the farm, Wayne has been a respected leader in the agricultural community, serving on the Tri-County/City Soil and Water Conservation District Board, where he continues to advocate for sustainable farming and responsible land management.
Wayne and Jo Anne raised four children — Benjamin, Stacy, Kathrine, and Rebecca — who each carry forward the Miller tradition of faith, family, and farming.
Ben Miller
Benjamin Miller (born-1974), son of Wayne and Jo Anne Miller, has carried the Miller family legacy into a new generation with vision and dedication. After earning his degree in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech, Benjamin combined his agricultural knowledge with a passion for community and innovation.
In 2004, Benjamin founded Miller Farms Market, transforming the family’s old milking barn into a produce market that celebrated both the past and the future of the farm. His goal was simple yet powerful — to keep the Miller legacy alive within the agricultural world. Over the years, he has expanded and developed the business into a modern, thriving market while preserving its family-oriented and homegrown atmosphere.
Benjamin met his wife, Kristine Porter, in high school. Their shared love for farming and family has been the heart of Miller Farms’ continued success.
In 2015, Benjamin led the market’s transformation into the welcoming, full-scale operation that visitors see today. Together, he and Kristine have raised nine children, all of whom take part in the daily life of the farm. The main helpers — Luke, Zachary, Joshua, Amy Josephine, and Caleb — work alongside their parents to continue the family’s proud tradition of faith, farming, and community.
As Miller Farms Market celebrates its 21st year of business in 2025, Benjamin’s leadership stands as a testament to generations of hard work and the enduring spirit of the Miller family.
The Fourth Generation
The Miller family legacy continues strongly through Benjamin and Kristine Miller’s children, who each contribute to the farm in unique and meaningful ways.
Luke Miller, the eldest, works closely with his father, managing the beef herd, assisting during calving season, and overseeing daily field operations. He monitors irrigation systems, maintains and repairs farm equipment, and guides the field workers throughout the day. Luke is currently pursuing a trade degree in diesel mechanics. Known for his dedication, he often works long hours especially during peak seasons.
Zachary Miller previously managed the farm’s field workers before taking a position with Harris Seed Company, selling seed across the southeastern United States. Zachary still helps on the farm during busy seasons, such as pumpkin harvests in the fall and hay baling in the summer. He is married to Elizabeth Horiuchi, who has worked for the farm for eight years and now serves as the Head of Marketing for Miller Farms.
Joshua Miller helped manage the fields before joining the military. He returns on weekends and during key farm seasons to assist with operations, particularly hay baling.
Amy Miller leads operations in the market, ensuring that the staff are organized, the market is fully stocked, and customers have a positive experience. She receives support from her younger sister, helping maintain smooth operations and leadership within the market.
Caleb Miller has focused on caring for the chickens and turkeys, and now mentors his younger siblings to take over his responsibilities, ensuring continuity of the farm’s livestock care.
Together, the Miller children maintain the family’s long-standing values of hard work, dedication, and community, ensuring that Miller Farms remains both a thriving business and a family-centered legacy.