COMMERCIAL POULTRY ON-FARM FIELD DAY

Moyle, J.1; Rhodes, J.2; Cartanza, G.3; Timmons, J.4; Perdue, M5
1SENIOR AGENT/POULTRY EXTENSION SPECIALIST, University of Maryland Extension, Salisbury, MD, 21801
2PRINCIPAL AGENT, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS, University of Maryland Extension, Centreville, MD, 21617
3EXTENSION AGENT, POULTRY, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, GEORGETOWN, DE, 19947
4ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND RESOURCE SCIENCES, Univeristy of Maryland Eastern Shore, PRINCESS ANNE, MD, 21853
5AGENT ASSOCIATE, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS, University of Maryland Extension, SNOW HILL, MD, 21863

Abstract:

Poultry production is the leading industry on Delmarva (Delaware, and the eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia) accounting for $3.5 billion in total output and 20,391 jobs. This accounts for approximately 70% of the total economic value of agriculture from the area. Additionally, grain and soybean farmers rely on the poultry industry to purchase their products and utilize the manure as fertilizer. The success of contract broiler farm production is directly related to the success of the poultry companies and grain farmers located on Delmarva. In order to help poultry farmers be more competitive, efficient, environmentally safe, and comply with current government regulations, a team made up of University of Maryland Extension, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension and members of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. conducted an On-Farm Field Day for commercial poultry growers. The Field Day was attended by approximately 425 people consisting of poultry farmers, personnel from poultry companies, government agencies and allied industries. In addition, 66 vendors sponsored the event and provided demonstrations of their products. A short survey after the event found that all participants (that responded) reported that it benefited their farm or business, with 98% reporting a knowledge increase. Additionally, 93% reported that they would likely participate in future Field Days.The survey also found the greatest concern for the future of their farms was “government and regulations” followed by “input costs” and “environmentalists.”

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