Name: Asha Miles

Job title: Director

Company: Dairy Records Management Systems

What education are you bringing with you to this position?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology and Master of Science in animal biology from the University of California – Davis and earned my Ph.D. in animal science from Cornell University. My doctoral research focused on the genetics and epidemiology of mastitis. I studied the role of microbiomes in dairy cow health and disease as a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State.

Please describe your agricultural background.

I am a couple of generations removed from dairying, but my family has many ties to agriculture. My oldest childhood friend’s family runs a small cow-calf operation, and some of my fondest memories are of working a branding or checking cows on horseback in the Sierra Nevada foothills. I grew up in California’s Central Valley with a lot of dairy kids, and I spent so much time with them that I grew to love it, too.

What territory will you cover?

We serve 48 states and Puerto Rico.

What are your new responsibilities?

I am honored and humbled to be chosen as the new director of Dairy Records Management Systems. In this role, I have tremendous responsibility to my staff, and to every single dairy producer and affiliate we serve. My job is to provide supportive leadership to an already exceptional program, so that it can have the greatest impact and the greatest benefit to our farmers and our communities.

What previous positions have you held?

I previously worked as a research geneticist for the USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, where we partnered with the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding to deliver the national genetic and genomic evaluations. My research priorities included refining and redefining economically important traits and exploring the incorporation of novel precision livestock technologies into our selection programs. That said, my favorite part of the job was stakeholder engagement and bringing research results directly to the ultimate user.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?

Farmers, dairy and otherwise. I’m inspired by their dedication, work ethic, practical know-how and the way they wear so many hats to run their business and keep their animals healthy. Also, those who came before us. The DHI system was created over 100 years ago in one county in Michigan. It’s very powerful to be part of something that has thrived for that long and grown exponentially to now serve herds all over the country and even the world.

Why did you choose this company?

My heart is in public service, and the DRMS non-profit values resonate with me. Our purpose: to serve dairy producers with trusted, research-backed tools that turn data into better herd decisions. Our vision: to be the most trusted source of decision tools and herd insights in dairy. Our mission: to deliver accurate, research-driven tools and exceptional support to help dairy professionals make faster, more informed herd decisions.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?

Help producers turn data into insight. Build healthy, productive partnerships with industry groups that lead to lasting, beneficial change. Tour as many dairy operations as I can. Hire people smarter than I am and give them all the resources they need to succeed. Listen to and learn from dairy producers and industry experts. Always strive to be better and do more.