The Dr. James R. Miller Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding service to the Maryland Grain Industry. The award began in 1988 and was presented to Dr. James R. Miller. Since then, grower leaders, as well as elected officials, researchers, and agency representatives have been recognized. Dr. Miller directed the University of Maryland’s Agronomy Department for 22 years and helped educate Maryland grain farmers immensely over that time.
This year’s honoree is Gene Boyle. Gene has dedicated his life to Maryland grain production in both his business and volunteering his time with the Maryland Crop Improvement Association. Boyle Bros., Inc. (BBI) was established in 1975 by James and Eugene “Gene” Boyle providing essential services to grain farmers on Maryland’s eastern shore. What started as spreading lime for local farmers grew into seed conditioning and treatment services for soybeans, wheat, and barley seeds. Boyle Brothers started with just 30,000 bushels per year and grew to as many as 950,000 bushels running through the plant during its peak. Boyle Brothers has really been the heartbeat of the seed industry on the eastern shore not only providing services and storage to local seed companies but also providing farmers with the opportunity to diversify their farms by growing grain for seed.
Gene also served on the Maryland Crop Improvement Association from 1980 until his retirement in 2023. He served two terms as President in 1986 and 1990. While on the Board, Gene served on numerous committees including Foundation Seed Production of New Varieties, the Budget Committee and the Grans Committee. Gene was also integral in the agreement between MCIA and the University of Maryland for MCIA to serve as the marketing organization for Maryland developed seed varieties. Boyle Brothers was awarded the MCIA Outstanding Contribution to Maryland Agriculture awarded in 1993. Gene dedicated his time for over 40 years to fulfill the mission of MCIA which was “encourage the development and use of superior seed” and all Maryland Grain Farmers are better for it.
Dr. Miller Recipients
2024 – Eugene “Gene” Boyle
2023 – DelegateJay Jacobs
2022 – Mark Fuchs
2021 – Delegate Charles Otto
2020 – Mr. Jason Scott
2019 – Mr. Brad Powers & Mrs. Valerie Connelly
2018 – Mrs. Sandy Davis
2017 – Mr. Dale Morris
2016 – Mr. Phillip “Chip” Councell, Jr
2015 – Mr. Chip Bowling
2014 – Mr. Roger Richardson
2013 – Delegate Maggie McIntosh
2012 – Dr. Robert Kratochvil
2011 – Dr. Ronald Ritter
2010 – Mr. Douglas Tregoning
2009 – Mr. Jamie Jamison
2008 – Congressman Steny Hoyer
2007 – Mr. Bruce Hotchkiss
2006 – Mrs. Lynne Hoot’
2005 – Delegate Norman Conway
2004 – Mr. Dee Willard
2003 – Mr. Pat McMilliamn
2002 – Mr. Robert Hutchison
2001 – Mr. Frank Perdue
2000 – Mr. Ron Mulford
1999 – Mr. W. Drew Stabler
1998 – Delegate Ron Guns
1997 – Mr. John C. Miller
1996 – Mr. Lewis R. Riley
1995 – Mr. William K. Griffith
1994 – Dr. James G. Jantzes
1993 – Dr. James R. Russel
1992 – Mr. James T. Kirby, Sr
1991 – Mr. Joe L. Newcomer
1990 – Mr. Robert D. Raver
1989 – Dr. William J. Kenworthy
1988 – Dr. James R. Miller
