“Treat people well and do the right thing.” A simple quote or phrase to live by, but one that has guided every decision from the very beginning of Seth Miller Show Steers.
Finding its start in 2011, Seth Miller Show Steers was established by long-time 4-H member, Seth Miller. When Seth’s show career came to a close, it felt like a seamless transition to move into a management role, raising and selling cattle. As his aspirations grew, Seth teamed up with his brother Derek and lifelong friend Aaron King in 2017. The purpose of the partnership was to work together, increase their numbers and establish a commitment to quality and teamwork - attributes they feel have allowed them to establish a strong presence in the industry. With the support of their family operations - Miller Farms and King Show Cattle - SM Show Steers is able to be involved with nearly 35-40 show steers across the midwest, with the greatest concentration on state fair steers.
In order to repeatedly service 35-40 customers well, Seth emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong culture that all partners, customers and employees buy into. At SM Show Steers, putting the TEAM first is a core belief.
“We emphasize a strong team mindset. With three dedicated partners, we not only offer advice and support but also encourage our show families to adopt this culture. Everyone works together towards common goals, readily welcoming new families into the community,” Seth said.
This passion for teamwork and commitment to others was likely forged from a lifelong dedication to the 4-H program. Having all grown up showing cattle, Seth, Derek and Aaron all agree that there is no project quite like the steer project.
“The show steer project is unlike any other 4-H market project. Long-term commitments and relationships are formed when a kid decides to say YES to a show steer,” describes Seth.
However, they likely would not have invested as many hours into the show steer project without great mentors who pushed them to excellence. Seth feels that he and his partners all benefited greatly from the mentorship of Mike and Larry Ott, as well as Dave and Linde Sutherly during their Junior Show careers. These individuals were true leaders in the industry who stepped in to teach, encourage and motivate all three of them to take on the show steer project and grow in it each year.
“We were all lucky to have several mentors in our youth who guided us and invested in us and ultimately, this helped shape our passion for cattle,” explains Seth.
As the next generation of mentors, the guys at SM Show Steers have made a commitment to paying it forward to the youth. Seth, Derek and Aaron all emphasize the importance of investing in and giving back to the youth in the same way they were given to. This mentality and focus is what drives their operation’s goals day in and day out.
“Our aim is to foster an environment focused on excellence in the ring, integrity, and the positive development of young participants, ensuring they grow up with the values that will serve them well beyond showing,” says Seth.
Of course the other component of their success over the years, is their unrivaled commitment to quality. By teaming up, SM Show Steers has been able to elevate not only their numbers, but their competitive edge in the market. Each year, they place several steers across the midwest states and the largest portion of steers sold are targeted for some of the most competitive state fairs in the country. And while they have had great success over the years and garnered much respect, Seth still feels a successful operation has to be a balance between success in the ring and a commitment to young people. He describes this as “BUILDING CHAMPIONS: both in and out of the ring.”
“The SM brand embodies a winner's mindset that extends beyond just halters and show stock. We strive to inspire our showmen and their families to commit to their craft, excel as students, and serve as responsible community stewards. Our goal is to help them become productive members of society long after their showing days are over, fostering an approach to personal growth and community involvement,” Seth further explains.
Integrity. Commitment to excellence. Commitment to the experience. Passion for youth. These are just a few of the attributes that have allowed SM Show Steers to stake their claim in the show cattle business, and the same attributes that will continue to take them far and wide in this industry.
Ohio State Fair
Our show heifer turned donor cow – Paddy.
Breaking baby calves
Pressure washing
Tracy Gorestka has truly forged his own path in the industry, establishing a model that I find incredibly valuable to learn from.
Seth, Derek, and Aaron all started their 4-H journeys by showing dairy beef feeders at their county fairs.