The soybean checkoff boards administer soybean checkoff funds for soybean research, marketing and education programs in the state. Funded by farmers, the checkoff is an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of soybeans at their first point of sale. One-half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.

In Maryland, farmers grow about a half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of $173 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops. For more information on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.

Delaware farmers plant about 180,000 acres of soybeans each year, and the crop generates approximately $60 million in value to the state. Delaware’s agricultural industry contributes about $8 billion per year to the Delaware economy. For more information about the Delaware Soybean board, visit www.desoybeans.org

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. is the 1,700-member nonprofit trade association for the Delmarva Peninsula’s meat chicken industry. For more information about the Delmarva poultry industry and its impact on the environment, economy and quality of life on Delmarva, visit their trade association’s web page at www.dpichicken.com

*Source: U.S. Poultry and Egg Association/National Chicken Council.