SALISBURY, Md. — More than 600 farmers and supporters of poultry — including Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley — gathered Wednesday night to salute the industry that is an economic driver of the Delmarva economy. And despite harsh criticism by industry critics and slipping profits, there was much to celebrate at the Delmarva Poultry Industry's 56th annual Booster Banquet.
"The last 18 months have probably been the most difficult 18 months in the history of America," said William Satterfield, executive director of DPI. "The chicken industry has been hit by the high cost of inputs, primarily feeding ingredients such as grain, and declining wholesale chicken prices. But grain prices have leveled off, and (profits) for the companies are getting up a little bit with less product and higher (poultry) prices."
The DPI bestowed the its highest honor upon Somerset County farmer Douglas Green, a leading advocate for industry involvement in legislative and outreach programs impacting the leading yet often reprobated segment of agricultural production on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
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