Determined and dedicated describe Nell Miller. As the new Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee chairman, she’s determined to make a difference in the organization she’s dedicated herself to for more than 20 years.

“I guess I’ve always been that way,” Miller said of her tenacity. Her personal relationships serve as examples. She loves the Lord, her family and the Federation. 

She met her husband of 51 years, Jimmy, while she was still in high school. They married her senior year, and the couple began a lifelong love affair with each other and farming.

The Millers have a diversified farm in northern Blount County where they raise poultry and row crops near Snead. That’s also where they raised their two daughters and where they love to spend time with their four grandchildren.

The Millers farm with their nephew and his wife, Lance and Stephanie Miller, who live nearby.

“There’s no place better than a farm to raise a family,” Miller said. “Our girls grew up understanding hard work and have a greater appreciation of nature. Seeing the wonder and beauty of God’s creation is what my grandchildren love about coming to the farm, too.”

Appreciation is at the heart of Miller’s work with the Federation. She became active on the Blount County Women’s Leadership Committee about 20 years ago and served as its chairman for nearly 17 years. She was elected to the State Women’s Leadership Committee in 2013, where she formerly served as secretary and vice chairman.

“I like everything about the Women’s Committee,” Miller said. “The members; the meetings all over the state; and working with the Alabama Ag In The Classroom (AITC) program are all wonderful.”

Miller said working with AITC is close to her heart because teaching young people to love and appreciate farming is key to its survival.

“AITC is one of the best programs available to help educate teachers and train them to teach their students about agriculture,” Miller said. “I’ve attended AITC Summer Institutes, and it’s always rewarding to see how excited teachers are to have new resources to share with their students.”

When she’s not busy volunteering at Snead United Methodist Church where she is Women’s Committee chairman, is on the trustee board and teaches Sunday school, Miller enjoys reading and spending time with family. 

Miller  also is chairman of the Blount County Soil and Water Conservation Committee and serves on the Cawaco Resource, Conservation and Development Council.

Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey said Miller will be a great leader for the group.

“The Women’s Leadership Division is in quite capable hands under Nell’s leadership,” Ramsey said. “Her experience as a past county Women’s Leadership Committee chairman, service on the state committee, her love for agriculture and a servant’s heart are only a few qualities that will enhance the women’s programming efforts and planning for this year.”