Poultry owners and supporters were honored earlier this month at the annual banquet of Delmarva Poultry, an 1,800-member organization.
During its 59th banquet, DPI recognized outstanding chicken growers and three individuals for their work on behalf of the chicken industry.
The J. Frank Gordy, Sr. Delmarva Distinguished Citizen Award, DPI’s highest honor, was presented to Jenny Rhodes of Queen Anne’s County, MD. Rhodes, a chicken grower and University of Maryland Extension Educator, has been a leader in the chicken industry and agricultural community for many years.
The Edward H. Ralph DPI Medal of Achievement was presented to Jeff Smith, who lives near Ocean City. Smith, director of Environmental Services for Perdue Incorporated and previously with Mountaire Farms, led DPI’s efforts during the past dozen years on the many environmental issues facing the chicken industry. He was recognized for his leadership in the many environmental issues and challenges that faced the chicken industry.
The DPI Medal of Achievement for an elected official went to Maryland State Senator Jim Mathias. Mathias was recognized for his support for the chicken industry and the farming community.
DPI recognized 12 outstanding poultry producers. Selected by their companies from Delmarva’s more than 1,600 poultry growers, this year’s recipients are:
Bruce and Erin Bartz, Tuckahoe Farm, Denton, MD – Amick Farms
Connie Carmean, Laurel, DE – Mountaire Farms
Mohammad Iqbal, Cottonwood Ranch, Bloxom, VA – Perdue Foods
Carol Johnson, Loockerman Farm, Bridgeville, DE – Allen Harim
James and Christina Kurtz, Christina Kurtz Farm, Snow Hill, MD – Tyson Foods
Robert and Lise Masten, Mispillion Farm, Milford, DEe – Allen Harim
The Murphy Family, Bellview Farm, Rhodesdale, MD – Mountaire Farms
Deosarran and Rohinee Singh, Hi-Way Farm, Laurel, DE- Mountaire Farms
Roland and Janice Todd, Roland, Roasters Farm, Federalsburg, MD – Perdue Foods
Ronald and Ellen Vanculin, White Stone Farm, Galena, MD – Perdue Foods
Billy and Vivian West, West Acres, Tyaskin, MD – Mountaire Farms
Scot and Tammy Wharton, S & T Farm, Millsboro, DE – Perdue Food
Nearly 700 people attended the DPI banquet.
