HARRISBURG, PA — Chester Springs’ own Sue Miller of Birchrun Hills Farm, a stalwart in the realm of sustainable agriculture, was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions at the 33rd annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference. The event, held from February 8–10 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was organized by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, a nonprofit dedicated to farmer-driven education, research, and community-building.
Miller was awarded Pasa’s 2024 Leadership Award, one of the prestigious Pasabilities Awards that honor farm, community, and business leaders committed to advancing sustainable agriculture. This year’s other honorees hailed from across the state and beyond, including Philadelphia, Lycoming County, Westmoreland County, and Louisa County, Virginia.
Sue Miller co-manages Birchrun Hills Farm, a first-generation dairy farm with an on-site creamery, alongside her husband, Ken Miller. Her journey into sustainable farming began when she fell in love with caring for cows. Since 2006, the Millers have been devoted to dairy farming using conservation-minded methods.
Their dedication has translated into tangible success. The farm’s handcrafted raw milk cheeses have won awards and become staples in local restaurants, farmers markets, breweries, and farm shows. In 2023, the Chester County Commissioners bestowed upon the Miller family the Farmers of the Year award, acknowledging their innovative business model, commitment to sustainable farming, and advocacy for local food systems.
Beyond her hands-on work at the farm, Miller has made significant contributions to the broader agricultural community. She served as a Pasa Board member from 2008 to 2017, during which time she offered insightful input, particularly highlighting the unique challenges faced by dairy farmers. Her advocacy for a dairy community that balances the health of the farmer, animals, community, and ecosystem has left a lasting impact on Pasa’s mission and work.
Miller’s recognition with the Leadership Award underscores her pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture in Chester County and beyond. Her commitment to conservation-minded methods not only contributes to a healthier environment but also fosters a robust local food system. In an era of increasing ecological concerns, Miller’s work at Birchrun Hills Farm offers a model of how farming can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Pasa Sustainable Agriculture continues to cultivate environmentally sound, economically viable, and community-focused farms and food systems. As they celebrate this year’s Pasabilities Award recipients, they also look forward to honoring more individuals like Sue Miller who are making a difference in sustainable agriculture.
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