Maynard Miller
Maynard bought Sunrise Farms in 2003 looking for a way to provide employment for his family. With a background in farming, this venture seemed to be a logical step in pursuing the dream of a family operated business. Maynard has always valued hard work, customer service, and quality products. The growth of the feed mill and meat store demonstrate his commitment to these values. Maynard enjoys working with the livestock, managing the farming operation, and bringing greater efficiency to the milling process. He is happy to be working closely on the family farm with several of his sons and a son-in-law. In a spare moment from farm work, Maynard is likely to be spending time with his grandchildren.
“Sunrise Farms was built on the values of strong work ethic, a love for being close to nature and a desire to serve our community.”
– Maynard Miller
Anthony Miller
Anthony, one of Maynard’s sons, has worked on the farm since its purchase in 2003. Beginning with managing the feed mill, he has lately been taking on the general management of the farm. Anthony works with local farms and grain suppliers to secure quality non-GMO grains and natural feed mixes. He also oversees general bookkeeping in the office. When free from farm responsibility, Anthony spends time with his wife and four children and volunteers with his church and the local fire department.
Jeffrey Miller
Jeffrey, another of Maynard’s sons, manages feed sales and oversees commodity sourcing. He communicates regularly with our customers and feed dealers to ensure our quality service. Jeffrey enjoys a relaxing evening after work and spending time with friends.
Jonathan Miller
Jonathan, the oldest of Maynard’s sons, lives on site with his family and six children. He manages farm meat store sales as well as marketing and research. When not engaged with farm responsibilities, you might find him on an outing with his family.
Jonathan Troyer
Jonathan, our feed mill manager, oversees all our grain testing. He also schedules bulk feed deliveries throughout the central Virginia region and keeps up with our feed clients’ needs. Jonathan works in the feed mill office while also filling in as driver if needed. Married to Maynard’s daughter Andrea, he loves to spend time with his five boys and one daughter as well as tend to his fish ponds at Barterbrook Trout.
Debbi Murray
Debbi joined our office staff to assist the current management team with daily operating procedures. She handles a wide variety of tasks within the company. Her previous work experience includes the vending service industry and architectural precast production. She loves to spend time with her family, relaxing outdoors and watching the wildlife that frequents her koi pond.
Lisa Miller
Lisa began working at Sunrise part-time in poultry processing and packaging. She now supervises the meat store, fills retail and wholesale orders, and helps with general office tasks. Her attention to detail ensures that our customers are served with care. Lisa loves her nieces and nephews and lives on site with her husband Wes.
Kenneth Miller
Kenneth operates the grinder and mixer and oversees feed production, grain receiving, and warehouse inventory. His attention to detail and deadlines helps to ensure that orders are completed accurately and on time. When not working in the mill, Kenneth volunteers at the local Stuarts Draft Fire Department. As an avid train enthusiast, you might find him tracking the closest freight locomotive or riding a passenger car for fun.
David Martinez
David joined our crew as a mill operator and brings a variety of experience including mechanical work. In addition to mill operator, he manages the bagging line and assembles feed orders. His fun-loving personality keeps life interesting on the bagging floor. On weekends, you might find him modifying one of his vehicles or preparing his favorite Carne Asada.
Philip Willis
Philip brings a lifetime of experience as a mill operator, and he currently mills much of the feed that we produce. His dependable presence is key to maintaining a productive flow in the mill. On the side, he runs his own little farm raising chicken, layers, beef, and hogs. His interests include seasoning his own sausage and bacon.
David Miller
David brings a diverse set of skills to Sunrise. Not one to retire, he helps with poultry processing, works in the feed mill, and lends a hand to our retail feed customers at pickup. Previous owners of Miller’s Bake Shoppe, David and his wife Miriam enjoy the varied work of the farm.
Truman Miller
Truman joined our team as a full-time driver for our bagged feed delivery, valuable experience for his current role as feed delivery coordinator. In addition, he manages the poultry on the farm. With a background in residential construction, he brings varied skills and management experience to complement his responsibilities at Sunrise.
Wendel Hershberger
Wendel brings years of driving experience to our bulk and bagged delivery service. Customer service and satisfaction are priorities for him, and he loves to connect with clients and to ensure that they are happy with their purchases. When not in the truck, Wendell and his wife Sarah keep up with the varied wildlife on their secluded farmette.
Earl Kauffman
Earl joined our team as an experienced driver. His meticulous attention to detail and his previous work in construction have made him a key asset to the Sunrise team. On free weekends, Earl enjoys a mountain drive with his wife Angie or a visit from one of his sons or daughter-in-law.
Dmitriy Zotov
Dmitriy brings years of driving experience to our feed delivery service. A careful driver, he is sure to get your feed delivered intact. On weekends, Dmitriy enjoys remodeling his house and is a dedicated member of his church.
Dennis Miller
Dennis cares for most of the livestock on the farm and oversees pasture rotation and hay making. While he has a knack for working with animals and operating machinery, Dennis also designs and builds needed pieces of equipment for the farm. He gives care and thought to his work. When not on the farm, Dennis spends time with his wife Sheralyn and two children in addition to volunteering at their church.
Miriam Miller
Miriam heads up our poultry packaging while also helping with chicken and turkey processing. This part-time role allows her to babysit her grandchildren. Previous owners of Miller’s Bake Shoppe, she and her husband David enjoy the diverse pace and schedule of the farm.
Cara Shanks
Cara helps with poultry processing and packaging as well as stocking products and assisting customers in the meat store. She likes getting to know our regular customers and meeting first-timers as they stop to see what the farm has to offer. Cara enjoys the chance to discuss meat cooking options and share recipes. When not at work, she loves spending time outside gardening, hunting, and fishing with her family and friends, or spending time inside baking and crafting with her girls.
Bruce Miller
Bruce sees after the daily feeding, moving, and shelter for our mobile chicken and turkey operation. In addition, he works with our poultry processing team and helps on the bagging line in the feed mill if needed--an all-around helpful farm hand. On weekends you will often find him hanging out with his church youth friends.
Dan Chupp
Dan sees after the janitorial work in the office, store, and feed mill. In addition, he carefully grades the eggs and stocks them in our store front. Although retired for a number of years, Dan works carefully and efficiently. He always has time, however, to stop for a friendly chat.
Arlen Miller
Arlen, another of Maynard’s sons, sees that the grass gets mowed around the family farm buildings as a side job. Actually, his sons do more mowing than he does as he is full-time manager of Miller’s Small Engine located several miles south of Stuarts Draft. Arlen loves to grill and spend time with his wife and five children.
Irvin Miller
Until his death in August 2020, Irvin, Maynard’s father, swept and cleaned the feed mill daily. Thanks to his work, our mill was one of the cleanest around. We are grateful he was able to be physically active at almost 92 years of age – even stacking a few bags of feed occasionally – until a few weeks before he died. He took his responsibility seriously with the self-proclaimed title of “Beautifying Engineer.” We miss his friendly smile and willingness to talk to everyone.
