The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) has members across the United States, young cattlemen and women dedicated to furthering The Business Breed for generations to come. 

Layla Miller is only 14 years old, but she’s already proving herself to be one of them. Miller grew up in Waterford, Wis., a small town in the southeastern corner of the state. It’s there she’s begun to cultivate pride and passion for the Angus family. 

Miller attended a National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) for the first time in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the country. It was a good introduction to the annual show, but she says her favorite NJAS was the 2024 Showdown in Madtown because she had the most success in contests.

While at that show, Miller represented Wisconsin well, with her team finishing second in the team fitting contest and taking home the gold in the junior division of her favorite contest, team sales.

Miller enjoys the contest for several reasons, saying, “Team sales gives me the opportunity to work in a team of people who share the same passion and interests as me, and it pushes me out of my comfort zone.”

She’s also found ways to give back to the breed through service and leadership. Miller is an active member of the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association, where she has served as secretary.

The role gave her the ability to interact with members across her state, which is one of Miller’s favorite parts of being involved in the NJAA. 

“I love being able to connect with people that share the same interests as me,” she says.

Miller’s love for service came from the example set by her mentors, Danny and Courtney Zehr. The Zehrs own Henning Farms and Blueprint Genetics in Janesville, Wis., about an hour from Miller’s hometown. 

“They have been there since the beginning,” Miller says. “Courtney and Danny believe in me and continue to push me to be better each year. They have become like a second family to me.”

Inspired by the Zehrs’ genetics business offering donor housing for embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization services, Miller’s goal for the future is to use a degree in animal science to become an embryologist. It’s a career field that’s growing, and Miller is grateful to the Angus family for opening her eyes to the career options available within the cattle industry.

Outside of her time spent in the barn, Miller enjoys hobbies like photography and shooting trap. 

She still has several years of involvement left in the NJAA, but for those just getting started, Miller offers this advice: “Step out of your comfort zone, whether that is talking to new people or signing up for new contests.”

Miller’s journey in the NJAA is still unfolding, but her passion for the Angus breed is already unmistakable. With every contest, connection and new challenge, she’s building a foundation for a future in the cattle industry that’s as strong as her determination. And if her drive is any indication, she’s only just beginning to make her mark.