2026 WSA Award Winners
2026 Scholarship Winners
McKinley Krueger
Elizabeth Zimmerman
2026 Family of the year
Mark & Karen Tremaine Family
Bio & Pic coming soon!
2025 Family of the Year
Greg and Eileen Miller
Greg Miller has been around animals and involved in agriculture his entire life. Growing up on the farm south of Rock Falls, Illinois, Greg was counted on to help from an early age, working with both cattle and hogs. He was also involved in 4-H, showing Shorthorns. It was not until 1971 that Greg would be introduced to the Simmental industry. He would often accompany his father, Hugh, on trips out West, where they would frequently buy cattle. In 71, Greg bought a Simmental heifer from Emmet Butcher from Gateway Simmentals in Lewistown, Montana. Thus began his career with, and commitment to, the breed. Over the years, he would continue raising, showing, and marketing Simmentals, whether it was with his good friend Denny Benoodt at Circle B, working as the manager
for James Burns & Sons in Almond, Wisconsin, or eventually managing LeighBert Farms in Lancaster, Wisconsin. While at James Burns & Sons, Greg and Eileen’s four children: Dawn, Shane, Kristin, and Andrew became involved in 4-H with the Almond Busy Bees and would begin showing Simmentals as well. Eileen was the one tasked with bringing order to the chaos wherever they went. After the kids were done showing and started families of their own, Mom and Dad waited patiently for the next generation, the grandkids. As soon as they were old enough, Greg introduced them to livestock; the Speer and Shelliam kids were active in 4-H as well, showing both cattle and swine. While the grandkids did not always show Simmentals, they grew up understanding and sharing Grandpa Greg’s love of cattle. Additionally, Greg has judged countless local, county, and regional cattle shows. More often than not, Eileen can be seen sitting ringside, watching him in action. On occasions when schedules align, Shane or even one of the grandkids can be seen serving as ring help for Greg. Dad also markets Simmental genetics, consults for numerous sales with his friend Larry Martin, and seemingly always has time to “walk a herd” and discuss cattle. Even today, as their children are grown and involved in careers outside agriculture, Greg and Eileen continue to give back to both the agriculture and Simmental industries, whether it be helping at junior events or donating to the youth of Wisconsin.
Congratulations Greg and Eileen Miller, the Wisconsin Simmental Association 2025 Family of the Year... Ring That Bell!