Key Takeaways
- Scotty Miller, a 25-year-old farm manager, is incorporating new technology and crops into his family’s farm, Miller Farms, while retaining what has worked in the past.
- The farm has recently invested in a spray drone and an Agrimaxx system, which introduces electrical frequencies to restructure water molecules’ bonds, with the goal of making water more efficient and effective.
- Miller is fine-tuning the crop mix on the approximately 1,000-acre farm, growing various seed crops, feed and silage corn, sugar beets, and wheat, and adjusting the mix based on market prices and viability.
- The farm is taking a nimble approach to adapting to changes in the market and input costs, with a focus on retaining what works while being open to new ideas and technologies.
Introduction to Miller Farms
Miller Farms, a long-successful farm in Nampa, Idaho, is undergoing changes to stay competitive in the market. Scotty Miller, the 25-year-old farm manager, is taking the reins and incorporating new technology and crops into the farm’s operations. Recently, the farm invested in a spray drone, which is expected to have a payoff of approximately two years, starting in 2026. The drone will be used to spray crops without having to drive over them, reducing damage and saving time. Additionally, the farm has installed an Agrimaxx system, which introduces electrical frequencies to restructure water molecules’ bonds, with the goal of making water more efficient and effective.
Incorporating New Technology
The Agrimaxx system was installed in collaboration with Mike Crist, the president of Agrimaxx. Crist praised Scotty Miller’s hands-on approach and willingness to learn about the system. The system was used on a field of seed beans, which appeared to have more robust roots and plants, and more pods, compared to a field where the system was not used. Post-cleaning yield results were pending as of mid-November, but Miller is optimistic about the potential benefits of the system. The farm is also exploring other ways to save money and improve yields, including adjusting the crop mix and using new technologies.
Fine-Tuning the Crop Mix
Miller Farms grows a variety of crops, including seed crops such as carrot, pea, and echinacea flower, as well as feed and silage corn, sugar beets, and wheat. The farm is adjusting the crop mix based on market prices and viability. In 2025, the farm grew 35-40% more beans, mainly because the crop paid more compared to crops such as grain corn and wheat. However, the farm reduced wheat acres by around 25% due to low prices. The farm is also growing sweet corn seed, which is a more gamble-oriented crop, but can pay off if successful. Mint is another crop that the farm is growing, despite the risk of price drops due to increased Idaho acreage.
Retaining What Works
Despite the changes and adaptations, Scotty Miller is committed to retaining what has worked on the farm in the past. His grandfather, Cleo Miller, is widely respected, and his father, Mike, worked on the farm for many years before moving to another industry. Scotty tries to do things similarly to his grandfather and father, as they were successful in their approaches. However, he acknowledges that things are different now, with substantially higher relative input costs. The farm is taking a nimble approach to adapting to these changes, with a focus on retaining what works while being open to new ideas and technologies.
Conclusion
Miller Farms is an example of a farm that is adapting to changes in the market and input costs while retaining what has worked in the past. Scotty Miller’s willingness to incorporate new technology and crops, while being mindful of the farm’s history and traditions, is a key factor in the farm’s success. As the farm continues to evolve and adapt, it will be interesting to see how the new technologies and crops perform, and how the farm navigates the challenges and opportunities of the market. With a focus on retaining what works and being open to new ideas, Miller Farms is well-positioned for success in the years to come.
