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
Management
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, coordinates the feed deliveries and manages feed mill production. He communicates regularly with our customers to schedule feed deliveries and also helps in the office. 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 sales and inventory for the farm meat store in addition to teaching part-time at a private Christian school. Jonathan loves birding and making music with others.
Office Staff
Debbi Murray
Debbi joined our office staff recently to assist the current management team with daily operating procedures. She will be handling a wide variety of tasks within the company. Her recent 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.
Sarah Lightcap
Sarah Lightcap joins the team as Meat Store Supervisor. You may see her stocking the retail meat store, filling orders, or chatting with a customer. She loves talking about our natural meats and explaining our processes for a seamless and satisfying experience.
Sarah began part-time helping with processing and packaging chickens, so overseeing the meat store seemed like a natural next step.
When Sarah isn’t with her family and friends, she may be reading, knitting or sewing, or even spinning on her drop spindle or wheel! She also loves to put her artistic skills to use with pencils and watercolors and decorating lovely corners. You are certain to see some of her personality in the store décor.
Feed Delivery
Jonathan Troyer
Jonathan, our primary bulk feed truck driver, manages bulk feed deliveries throughout the central Virginia region. A careful driver, he will be sure your feed arrives safely. When not in the truck, Jonathan helps Dennis care for the livestock putting to good use his experience growing up on a dairy farm. Married to Maynard’s daughter Andrea, he loves to spend time with his five boys as well as tend to his fish ponds at Barterbrook Trout.
Doug Larimer
Doug joined our team after many years of experience in horticulture sales in central Virginia. He enjoys meeting new people and serving our neighbors and customers. Doug has found that his duties at Sunrise Farms have allowed him to learn some new skills to compliment his already varied talents. He looks forward to the teamwork in the feed mill as well as spending time on the road meeting our customers face-to-face. Doug enjoys spending his down time with his family as well as gardening, playing golf, and reading historical biographies.
Wendell Hershberger
Wendell brings years of driving experience to our 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.
Truman Miller
Truman joined our team as a full-time driver for our bagged feed delivery. He brings various skills and experiences with a background in residential construction. If deliveries are not taking all his time, you might see him in the feed mill or helping with one of our construction projects.
David Miller
David brings a lifetime of varied experience to the farm. David has driven trucks for years and fills in frequently as one of our delivery drivers. In addition, he and his wife Miriam help process chickens and turkeys. In general, David is just the handyman that every farm needs.
Feed Mill
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.
Christopher Miller
We would like to welcome Christopher as one of the newest team members at Sunrise Farms. He works in the bagging and loading area of the warehouse. Christopher likes the opportunities that working for a family-owned, small community business offers. He comes from a family of six children and enjoys spending his time with them when he is not working.
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.
Farm
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 infant son in addition to volunteering at their church and at the local fire department.
Arlen Miller
Arlen, another of Maynard’s sons, lives on site, and keeps the grass mowed around the family farm buildings as a side job. In addition, 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.
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.
Poultry Processing
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.
Ingrid Burkholder
Ingrid worked on our farm several years ago, and now she is back after a short hiatus on a horse farm. She is working hard as our primary poultry grower in addition to helping process and package chicken and turkey. Ingrid loves work on the farm and proudly uses her Honda Civic as a farm truck hauling eggs from the hen house. Under her care, our poultry operation thrives!
