Maryland Agriculture Council Leadership Elected

Robert C. “Robbie” Miller of New London Township, PA, was elected president of the Maryland Agriculture Council Board of Directors during its April 8th board meeting. Having served as vice president during the past year, he replaces outgoing leader, Faith Elliott Rossing of Henderson.

Miller joined the Council board in 2017 and has served on the Legislative Committee.

“The Maryland Agriculture Council is an important organization because it provides opportunities to bring people together from the Maryland agriculture industry and state and local governments,” Miller explained. “The Maryland Agriculture Council hosts the Taste of Maryland Agriculture the first Thursday of February every year, and the event has been a wonderful Maryland tradition.”

“I know of many examples where people in the agricultural industry have generated new business or started a new job because they were able to meet or reconnect with another person at the Taste of Maryland Agriculture. I also believe it is a great way for agricultural youth (from 4-H, FFA, college, etc.) to network with industry professionals.”

Miller said that providing a venue for people in the agricultural industry to network with public officials is a great way to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing the farming community. “This initiates collaborations that will benefit the industry and the state,” he said. “It is a great opportunity for everyone involved in Maryland agriculture to learn from each other and work together.”

As the incoming president, Miller said his goal is to “get the Maryland Agriculture Council more involved throughout the year, while also continuing the traditions of providing grants for agriculture education programs and hosting the Taste of Maryland Agriculture.” 

Miller is the Soy Merchandiser for Perdue AgriBusiness at the Bainbridge Pennsylvania Soybean Crush plant. He and his wife, Christy, have two young children and live close to his family’s farm in North East, MD.

Vanessa Finney of Brooklandville was elected vice president of the organization and Kayla Griffith of Lothian will continue to fill the role of secretary. Henry Brandt of Centreville was re-elected as treasurer.

The newly elected board members serving a two-year term are Melissa Bolyard of Bruceton Mills, WV, Jeb Burchick of Crofton, and Joe Pippin of Centreville. Returning board members elected to serve another two-year term are Matt Teffeau of Annapolis, Putt Willett of Laytonsville, Chuck Schuster of Glenwood, Belinda Burrier of Union Bridge, Mike Harrison of Woodbine, Kim Smith of Arlington, VA, Terrie Shank of Hagerstown, David Gordon of Jefferson, Griffith, Brandt and Miller.

The Council is best known for organizing the annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture on the first Thursday of February. The premier gala brings together agricultural leaders with state and national legislators to promote agriculture and educate lawmakers about its importance to the state’s economy and its people.

For more information on the Maryland Agriculture Council, contact Executive Director Susan Summers at 240-446-3601.