Delmarva Chicken Association is the 1,400-member trade association working for the common good of the meat chicken industry in Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Our mission: To be the Delmarva chicken industry's voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education and member relations.
Our vision: To be the most-respected chicken organization in the United States.
FEATURED NEWS
DCA Applauds Simpler Permit Process for No-Land Chicken Farms in Md.
- James Fisher
- August 27, 2026
- DCA
Delmarva Chicken Association executive director Holly Porter applauded a Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announcement that some chicken farms, including 'no-land' can now extend their nutrient management plans from three-year to five-year durations, easing the paperwork burdens on family farmers while maintaining the same conservation practices on those farms that protect water quality.
"Delmarva Chicken Association advocated...
DCA Is Hiring: Government Affairs Manager
- James Fisher
- August 21, 2026
- DCA
The objective of this position is to interact with local, state and federal legislative bodies and government agencies for Delaware, Maryland and Virginia to represent the interests of the Association and members.
Reports to: Executive Director
Specific Duties:
- Researches and monitors government activities that could affect the Association and Delmarva chicken...
Outstanding Chicken Growers Are Honored at Delmarva Chicken Association's 6th Annual Booster BBQ
- James Fisher
- June 03, 2026
- DCA
Delmarva Chicken Association announced the recipients of its Outstanding Grower awards, honoring 13 farm families in Delmarva's chicken community with recognition as exemplary farmers raising broiler chickens. Each grower operates an independent, family-owned farm raising chickens in a contract with one of Delmarva's five chicken companies. There are 1,225 chicken grower families on Delmarva, each one an important part of the $4.6 billion...
FEATURED VIDEOS
DCA's 2026 Outstanding Growers
- We visited these award-winners to ask them why they love what they do, and what makes them so good at it! Take a look at what they had to say about their accomplishments and the passion they have for raising chickens. - Posted: June 19, 2026
The Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement: Tom Johnson
- The Edward H. Ralph DCA Medal of Achievement, named after Ed Ralph, DCA's first full-time executive director, goes to a non-elected person for outstanding service on behalf of Delmarva's chicken community. The award was presented this year to Tom Johnson, owner of Eastern Shore Forest Products. - Posted: June 19, 2026
What Sustainability Means to Chicken Farmers
- The environmental impact of chicken production has decreased by 50% since 1965. This improvement in environmental impact has gone hand-in-hand with improving bird health and welfare. Get to know a few chicken farmers who are running sustainable chicken farms and see how they use innovative technology and sustainable practices on their farm. - Posted: December 2, 2025