Even in these modern times, in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, agriculture is vital – a way of life we cherish, and an economic driver we need. And our chicken industry is absolutely essential to the region’s farmers, small business owners and everyday families.
Delmarva’s poultry industry both relies upon and supports Delmarva’s grain and poultry farmers. Soybean and grain farmers benefit from a robust local market, while poultry companies benefit from access to local feed ingredients. Raising chickens also allows farmers to diversify their farm income.
Similarly, our local communities both rely upon and support this economic engine, providing labor for jobs that are directly related to the poultry industry and its suppliers, or induced by the industry. Delmarva’s more than 1,700 chicken farms play a big role in helping keep our regional economy strong. And the farmers who raise chicken work hard delivering high quality, wholesome food while doing what’s right for the communities in which they work and live.

In Delaware, the chicken industry accounts for more than 10,000 jobs with total wages of more than $747.5 million. These are good jobs, paying an average of $70,847 in wages and benefits. In Maryland, the poultry industry accounts for more than 15,000 jobs with total wages of more than $971 million. Average wages and benefits in Maryland are $64,699.

In 2016, the poultry industry was responsible for as much as $3.34 billion in total economic activity throughout Delaware and $3.96 billion in Maryland. All told, the industry and its employees paid about $419 million in federal taxes and $199.8 million in state and local taxes in 2016.

“Nearly every business on Delmarva – including small businesses – is positively affected by the chicken industry,” said Bill Satterfield, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.’s executive director. “These numbers reinforce just how important the chicken industry is to the region, and they show the industry growing at a calm, sustainable pace.”

Learn more about how chickens are grown

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My Maryland Farmers

My Maryland Farmers

Meet the farmers growing the highest quality food, feed and fiber products for their families and yo

Spring in Maryland means it is time for farmers to get growing. Tractors pulling planters and trucks transporting seeds and farm supplies will be on the road as they travel from field to field at all hours of the day to get the job done. Sharing the road with motorists unfamiliar with large, slow-moving farm equipment can make for a dangerous situation for all parties. Read these motorists tips. 
https://bit.ly/3aniTWI #MyMdFarmers #RoadSafety

Spring in Maryland means it is time for farmers to get growing. Tractors pulling planters and trucks transporting seeds and farm supplies will be on the road as they travel from field to field at all hours of the day to get the job done. Sharing the road with motorists unfamiliar with large, slow-moving farm equipment can make for a dangerous situation for all parties. Read these motorists tips.
bit.ly/3aniTWI #MyMdFarmers #roadsafety
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9 hours ago
And you thought having children was hard, how about 100 of them? For farmer Billy Bishoff, having cows is like having kids: Every morning you go out and somebody has gotten into trouble somehow.
https://bit.ly/2oOxYuC #MyMdFarmers #Cows

And you thought having children was hard, how about 100 of them? For farmer Billy Bishoff, having cows is like having kids: Every morning you go out and somebody has gotten into trouble somehow.
bit.ly/2oOxYuC #MyMdFarmers #cows
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2 days ago
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Maryland Soybean Board

Maryland Soybean Board

The Maryland Soybean Board is a nonprofit dedicated to maximizing the profitability of Maryland soyb

Learn all about tractors and so much more! Remember, participation in the Tractor Safety Program is required if you wish to enter the tractor contest at the county fair! Classes are starting on April 3rd at the Extension Office at 7pm and run the next several weeks on Monday evenings. More information will be provided on the first night. Register by March 24th at: forms.gle/aYvU8LFmKwDhsrDX7 If you have specific questions, please contact Bryan Harris at 410-984-0626 or Jason Watt at 443-2776891. ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
Thank you Zero Deaths Maryland for partnering with us to raise awareness about slow-moving vehicles on roadways! 

Learn more about our Find Me Driving campaign: www.findmedriving.com

Thank you Zero Deaths Maryland for partnering with us to raise awareness about slow-moving vehicles on roadways!

Learn more about our Find Me Driving campaign: www.findmedriving.comIt’s approaching springtime in #Maryland and that means planting season. You will soon see farm vehicles and other slow-moving farm equipment on #MarylandRoads. These vehicles may travel significantly under posted speed limits—between 5 and 15 miles per hour. Be patient and watch for hand signals. From their higher vantage point, they will often signal when it’s safe to pass. Maryland Soybean Board #FindMeDriving #SMV #MDOTsafety
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3 weeks ago