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 Delegate Jay Jacobs. As a small business owner, waterman, and former Mayor of a rural town, Delegate Jay Jacobs can uniquely relate to what it takes to be successful as a grain farmer and have a viable grain industry in Maryland. Delegate Jacobs was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 36 including Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline counties in November of 2010. During his 3-term tenure as a Delegate, Jay has served on the Environmental Matters Committee, now called the Environment and Transportation Committee, and the Natural Resources and Agriculture Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over most of the issues that impact grain farmers in Maryland. Delegate Jacobs’ demonstrated leadership and ability to work across the aisle on important issues have elevated him to ranking minority member on the Environment and Transportation Committee. The members of his committee look to him on legislation that pertains to agriculture, natural resources, and rural Maryland and he represents those constituents well.
Delegate Jacobs takes his job as an elected official very seriously. Maryland Grain Producers President Steve Ernst said, “he doesn’t just serve on committees, he actually shows up.” Delegate Jacobs served on the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, 2009-11. Jay has been the Maryland House of Representatives member on the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee and the Maryland Dairy Industry Oversight and Advisory Council since 2011. During his tenure on the nutrient management Advisory Committee, Jay has been integral in representing farmer’s best interests on a variety of issues including the Phosphorus Management Tool transition and nutrient management plan privacy. Jay also serves on the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Delegate Jacobs has served on task forces addressing rural housing, workforce, and health care delivery.
Jay Jacobs has lived a life of service. In addition to everything I’ve already mentioned, Jay has also been a firefighter and ambulance driver for the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department, received the Community Service Award from Kent County Chamber of Commerce, and Person of the Year from WCTR Chestertown.
Maryland Grain Producers Association is grateful to have Delegate Jacobs in their corner as a go-to on legislation impacting everything from nutrient management, land preservation, pesticides, forest conservation, water quality, and more. His service to Maryland agriculture as a legislator is exemplary and Maryland’s grain industry appreciates all he has done and continues to do.
Dr. Miller Recipients
2023 – Deleaget Jay 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
