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

Fall’s here! You may not miss the dog days of summer. But what you might miss is fresh produce from your local farmers market. Hopefully, you were able to stock up on your favorites before the end of the season. So, what can you do with your surplus of tomatoes, peppers and other produce before they go to waste? Read more: https://bit.ly/3VCPxvj #MyMdFarmers #FarmersMarket #FreshProduce

Fall’s here! You may not miss the dog days of summer. But what you might miss is fresh produce from your local farmers market. Hopefully, you were able to stock up on your favorites before the end of the season. So, what can you do with your surplus of tomatoes, peppers and other produce before they go to waste? Read more: bit.ly/3VCPxvj #MyMdFarmers #FarmersMarket #FreshProduce ... See MoreSee Less

4 hours ago
The Maryland Board of Public Works gave the green light to 14 new easements. This move ensures the permanent preservation of 1,400 acres of farmland that will supply the region with necessary food and fiber. https://bit.ly/45GhfvZ #MyMdFarmers

The Maryland Board of Public Works gave the green light to 14 new easements. This move ensures the permanent preservation of 1,400 acres of farmland that will supply the region with necessary food and fiber. bit.ly/45GhfvZ #MyMdFarmers ... See MoreSee Less

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

It’s a great day to be indoors at Prince Georges County Farm Bureau, Inc.’s Farm & Family Day! Stop by the Baden Volunteer Fire Department - VFD between 1-5 to see us and SAM.

It’s a great day to be indoors at Prince George's County Farm Bureau, Inc.’s Farm & Family Day! Stop by the Baden Volunteer Fire Department - VFD between 1-5 to see us and SAM. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

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I guess if 6 year olds were driving, this would be cute

Did you know that there are over 1,000 industrial uses for soybeans, making the products we use in our daily lives more sustainable? Maryland soybean grower Belinda Burrier recently taped a segment for Great Day Washington highlighting examples of these products. 

Tune in or set your DVR for this Monday, September 25 between 9-10am! Out of range for the channel? You can still watch via their livestream: http://bit.ly/2d6Oink

Learn more about how soybeans are replacing petroleum and other toxic chemicals to make everyday products cleaner for consumers and the environment: https://www.soybiobased.org/Image attachment

Did you know that there are over 1,000 industrial uses for soybeans, making the products we use in our daily lives more sustainable? Maryland soybean grower Belinda Burrier recently taped a segment for Great Day Washington highlighting examples of these products.

Tune in or set your DVR for this Monday, September 25 between 9-10am! Out of range for the channel? You can still watch via their livestream: bit.ly/2d6Oink

Learn more about how soybeans are replacing petroleum and other toxic chemicals to make everyday products cleaner for consumers and the environment: www.soybiobased.org/
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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Thank you for sharing such great information on Great Day Washington Belinda - we enjoyed having you!

The morning traffic was worth the opportunity to share

You look good on TV