The 2023 Distinguished Service Award is presented to Mary Jo Miller! Mary Jo has had positive contributions in many aspects of the lama industry as a judge, breeder, show superintendent, mentor, board member and educator.

Mary Jo’s llama journey started in 1987 when her husband Larry took her to visit a large llama farm in Michigan. They became very interested in these unique critters, purchasing two in 1989.  Being hungry for more llama knowledge, Mary Jo took a beginning judges clinic in the 1990’s. From there she went on to first become a certified performance judge and later a certified judge in halter, fleece and alpaca.

Her passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge with other llama enthusiasts, especially youth, have helped to grow the industry.  She has participated as an instructor at several judging clinics in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa and Washington as well as hosting 4-H clinics at their farm and volunteering at additional youth clinics.

The Miller family competitively exhibited their herd of both llamas and alpacas in performance, halter and fleece competitions.  While their current herd has reduced to 3 females, Mary Jo can’t emphasize enough how 36 years of loving these critters and their owners have richly fulfilled her life.

Mary Jo served on the International Lama Registry Board of Directors for 5 years holding the positions of both President and Vice President of the ILR and the Chairperson of the ILR Show Division Governing Board.  In addition, she has served on multiple boards with various state and national organizations, always with her focus being on what is in the best interests of the lama industry.

Mary Jo has judged shows across the United States from the 4-H county fairs to futurities and national shows.  While she has been blessed to judge all over the United States, she was also fortunate to judge twice in Switzerland and once in France. This was quite an honor for her and these two European experiences are a story all in themselves!

Over the years, Mary Jo has been the superintendent of several of the largest shows.  She started and superintended the Kentuckiana in Indianapolis, IN, served 6 years as the superintendent at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY and worked on the Gathering committee during its inception.  She then was a co-chair of the Gathering with Dr. Kristy Brown before singly chairing it later.

Mary Jo shared that her greatest joy in her llama journey has been the awesome folks she has met.  She has made fast, true, loving friendships which will be valued for her lifetime.  She closed by stating she is truly overwhelmed at the honor of having received the 2023 Gathering Distinguished Service Award.