Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the custom-facebook-feed domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/thankach/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Thank a chicken | Cluck, cluck
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

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Cover for My Maryland Farmers
50
My Maryland Farmers

My Maryland Farmers

Meet the farmers growing the highest quality food, feed and fiber products for their families and yours on Maryland family farms.

Dr. Michael Harrison, a veterinarian in Reisterstown, kicks off his day bright and early at 6:30 a.m. He jumps into his trusty John Deer Gator and sets off to feed the horses in the pastures of his family farm. https://bit.ly/3ynOILx #MyMdFarmers

Dr. Michael Harrison, a veterinarian in Reisterstown, kicks off his day bright and early at 6:30 a.m. He jumps into his trusty John Deer Gator and sets off to feed the horses in the pastures of his family farm. bit.ly/3ynOILx #MyMdFarmers ... See MoreSee Less

11 hours ago
Did you know Maryland farmers planted 1.52 million acres of soybeans in 2024? https://bit.ly/4jRRfVE #MyMdFarmers

Did you know Maryland farmers planted 1.52 million acres of soybeans in 2024? bit.ly/4jRRfVE #MyMdFarmers ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Cover for Maryland Soybean Board
995
Maryland Soybean Board

Maryland Soybean Board

The Maryland Soybean Board is a nonprofit dedicated to maximizing the profitability of Maryland soybean farmers.

This year, the Maryland Soybean Board is investing $375,000 to help farmers boost profitability through research, promotion, and education.

From developing better soybean varieties to expanding consumer outreach and supporting animal agriculture, your checkoff dollars are working hard—just like you.

Explore the highlights in the infographic below, or learn more here: https://bit.ly/4k6utsW

This year, the Maryland Soybean Board is investing $375,000 to help farmers boost profitability through research, promotion, and education.

From developing better soybean varieties to expanding consumer outreach and supporting animal agriculture, your checkoff dollars are working hard—just like you.

Explore the highlights in the infographic below, or learn more here: bit.ly/4k6utsW
... See MoreSee Less

11 hours ago
Image attachment

Photos from My Maryland Farmers's post ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago