The Maryland Agriculture Council has hired Jenell Eck McHenry of Agpert Services LLC to assist in managing its programs, events and communications, the organization’s board announced this week. McHenry, a Kennedyville resident and veteran of Maryland’s agricultural sector, will collaborate with Executive Director Susan G. Summers and Assistant Executive Director Gail P. Yeiser, with a primary focus on coordinating the annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture gala and other council initiatives.
The addition comes as the council, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Maryland’s agricultural industry through education and advocacy, expands its operations amid ongoing economic pressures on farmers statewide. McHenry brings more than a decade of experience in agricultural organizations, including roles at the Maryland Grain Producers Association, Maryland Pork Producers and the Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisors. She previously worked for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland Extension and the National Chicken Council.
McHenry and her husband, Joey, own and operate McHenry’s Beef and Harvesting in Kent County with their son, Lee, focusing on grain and beef production. She also serves as executive director of the Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association, which promotes sustainable fertilizer practices, and as a sales representative for Stine Seed. A graduate of the University of Delaware, McHenry holds leadership positions as chairperson of the Maryland Young Farmers Board, where she represents the group on the Maryland Agriculture Commission, and as a board member for the Kent County Farm Bureau. She joined the Maryland Agriculture Council board two years ago.
MAC President Robert C. “Robbie” Miller highlighted McHenry’s expertise in a statement. “We are pleased to have Jenell as part of our team and feel lucky to get someone of her caliber to help us fulfill our mission to ensure and promote a viable Maryland agricultural industry,” Miller said. “As the Council evolves and grows, its mission has become even more important. Adding Jenell to our leadership will ensure our success for years to come.”
McHenry expressed enthusiasm for the role. “The opportunity to work with the Maryland Agriculture Council and staff will be an experience of a lifetime,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing to serve the Maryland agricultural industry and make an impact for our state’s farmers and our future.”
The council’s flagship event, the Taste of Maryland Agriculture, underscores its advocacy efforts. Held annually on the first Thursday in February, the gala gathers agricultural stakeholders, state and national legislators, and industry representatives to highlight agriculture’s contributions to Maryland’s economy. The 55th edition took place Feb. 6, 2025, at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland at Arundel Mills in Hanover, drawing attendees including Gov. Wes Moore. Tickets ranged from $109 to $162, with the evening featuring networking from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The 56th event is set for Feb. 5, 2026, at the same venue.
Beyond the gala, the council administers educational grants to agencies and organizations promoting Maryland agriculture. Applications for the 2025-26 cycle opened recently, supporting initiatives that educate the public on farming’s role in food security and economic stability. The organization, established to bridge agriculture with policymakers, has hosted the Taste event for 56 years, evolving from a simple legislative reception into a key platform for discussing issues like farm bill updates and climate adaptation.
Maryland’s agricultural sector, which generated $3.3 billion in cash receipts in 2022, remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, supporting over 350,000 jobs and $8 billion in total activity. Crops like corn and soybeans, alongside poultry and dairy, dominate production. In Southern Maryland, encompassing St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties, agriculture adds more than $158 million in annual economic output and sustains 2,298 jobs, including farming, processing and related services. Local operations focus on soybeans, corn, aquaculture and agritourism, with events like the Taste gala providing opportunities for regional producers to connect with legislators on topics such as nutrient management and market access.
McHenry’s hiring aligns with broader efforts to strengthen advocacy amid challenges like fluctuating commodity prices and regulatory changes. Her accomplishments include receiving the Farm Credit Farmer on the Rise award, advancing to the national Sweet 16 in the Collegiate Young Farmer Discussion Meet, serving as Miss Maryland Agriculture in 2015 and leading as Maryland FFA president during her high school years. These experiences position her to enhance the council’s outreach, particularly in engaging younger farmers through programs like those of the Maryland Young Farmers.
The council’s work extends to recognizing agricultural pioneers, such as the 2024 inductees into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, honored at the 2025 Taste event. Nominations for the next class closed in September, with selections announced for the 2026 gala. In Southern Maryland, where agritourism generates additional revenue through farm visits and markets, the council’s grants have funded local educational efforts, including school programs on sustainable practices.
McHenry’s Eastern Shore roots, in Queen Anne’s and Kent counties, reflect the interconnectedness of Maryland’s farming communities. Her family farm, part of a multigenerational operation inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2021, exemplifies resilience in grain and livestock production. As Maryland navigates a value-added agriculture sector that contributes $20.6 billion annually, including processed goods and direct sales, leaders like McHenry play a vital role in sustaining rural economies.
For more on the Maryland Agriculture Council, visit www.mdagriculturecouncil.com or contact Summers at 240-446-3601.
