IAA Alum, Family Inducted into MD Agriculture Hall of Fame

IAA alumnus Chip Councell, a Talbot County grain producer

Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg

February 6, 2015 Sara Gavin

Governor Larry Hogan and Acting Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder inducted the Councell Family of Talbot County into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Thursday, February 6th, making the family the 46th recipients of the prestigious recognition. Chip Councell, who received a certificate in farm production and management from the Institute of Applied Agriculture in 1979, accepted the honor alongside his family members during the annual “Taste of Maryland’ agriculture event.

“Lt. Governor Rutherford and I are proud to welcome the Councell Family into the Agriculture Hall of Fame,” said Governor Hogan. “Maryland farmers are doing everything they can to balance protecting our Bay with building strong, durable businesses. And we’re going to do everything we can to keep Maryland’s agricultural industry strong, diverse and sustainable.”

Chip Councell, his wife Jo Ann and their son Jason Councell own and operate Councell Farms, a Talbot County retail produce market along Route 50, and a grain farming operation in the Cordova area. The Councell Family began farming in Talbot County around 1690. Chip and Jason are the 10th and 11th generation of Councell farmers.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Councell family and their commitment to Maryland agriculture: