CENTREVILLE — With good rain across the state last week for the first time since May, Maryland Farmers and others were excited for the 26th Maryland Commodity Classic. Taking home the prestigious Dr. James R. Miller Award this year was Queen Anne's County longtime farmer Gene Boyle.
On July 25 — 426 people gathered at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park for a busy and great event. The Maryland Grain Producers and Maryland Soybean Board welcomed farmers, check-off funded grantees, legislators, agribusinesses and sponsors.
Bright and early at 8 a.m., farmers, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel from surrounding counties attended a check-off funded Grain Bin Rescue Tube training taught by Dan Neenan, director of The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety in partnership with Nationwide insurance.
The training and demonstration was to showcase how to utilize grain bin rescue tubes. Maryland Grain Producers Executive Director, Lindsay Thompson volunteered to help train Preston Volunteer Fire Department. The Maryland Grain Producers has funded a number of tubes across the state.
While the demonstration was taking place, classic attendees were able to learn more about two check-off funded research projects; Development and Evaluation of High-Yielding Resilient Wheat Cultivars for Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region and Grid Soil Sampling for Variable Rate Application.
Assistant Professor of Plant, Science and Landscape Architecture for the University of Maryland, Vijay Tiwari was in attendance. His journey of the Maryland wheat breeding program began in 2020 with speed breeding. This summer he is working to license four wheat cultivars, two barley cultivars, and a public cultivar for release. Our board will keep you posted on this progress.
During lunch, attendees visited the 65 research and sponsor booths to network and catch up, while others tasted local spirit and cocktails for the Maryland's Best Cocktail Competition. During the business meeting, Maryland Farm & Harvest Host Joanne Clendining announced that McClintock Distilling took home first place with their Free State Gold Rush.
New this year, Maryland Grain Producers and Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland's Best program worked together for the cocktail and the whiskey competition. The whiskey competition took place at the Department of Agriculture on July 15 with a blind competition. McClintock Distilling's Old Etzler Straight Rye Whiskey was awarded as the 2024 Maryland's Best Farmer's Choice Award.
Also, during the business meeting, emceed by Clendining, the Maryland Grain Producers presented the 2024 Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship Recipients and CDL Grant awardees. Josh Appenzeller with the Maryland Soybean Board shared a few words, followed by Justin Brendel, Maryland Grain Producers Association President, providing a 2024 legislative up-date showcasing membership dollars at work.
Clendining presented the 2024 Dr. Miller Award to Eugene "Gene" Boyle.
Established in 1988 in honor of Dr. James R. Miller, the award has recognized leaders in various fields such as grower leaders, elected officials, researchers, and agency representatives who have made significant contributions to the Maryland grain industry. “We were proud to award Gene Boyle, who has dedicated his life to Maryland's grain production,” Clendining shared.
Gene and James Boyle founded Boyle Bros., Inc. in 1975, offering essential seed conditioning and treatment services to grain farmers on Maryland's eastern shore. What began as a modest operation grew significantly, becoming a cornerstone of the seed industry on the Eastern Shore.
Gene's commitment to the Maryland Crop Improvement Association, spanning over four decades, was instrumental in promoting the development and use of superior seed varieties. His efforts not only benefited local seed companies but also allowed Maryland grain farmers to diversify their farms. ”Gene's unwavering dedication to advancing the Maryland grain industry has left a lasting impact on the agricultural community, and for that we are so thankful,” she concluded.
New this year, the Maryland Grain Producers Association created the Lawrence E. Meeks Farmer Lifetime of Service Award which was presented to Drew Stabler of Montgomery County.
The meeting ended with keynote speaker, Jim Weisemeyer. Since 1978, Weisemeyer has reported frequently on and interviewed senior government officials, including Presidents Jimmy Carter and the late Ronald Reagan as well as USDA Secretaries since Earl Butz. Weisemeyer has traveled extensively in his assignments and is a frequent speaker on farm policy and trade issues. He contributes daily to Pro Farmer’s online website at FarmJournalPro.com, providing members with the latest information on agricultural policy and trade developments. He also is a twice-weekly participant in Farm Journal’s Agri-Talk radio program and serves as a Washington analyst for Pro Farmer.
The day ended with the traditional crab feast and barbecue, catered by Sisters By Chance. Attendees enjoyed delicious food while being able to catch up with many old friends.
The 27th Maryland Commodity Classic is scheduled for July 24, 2025.
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