Delmarva Chicken Association Honors Key Contributors at Annual BBQ Event
The Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA) recently recognized significant contributions to the chicken farming community during its fifth annual Booster BBQ held at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. The event honored three distinguished individuals: Far Nasir, a Maryland chicken grower; Ed and Chad Jackson from Affinity Energy Management; and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. Their dedication and support have been pivotal in shaping Delmarva’s thriving $4.8 billion chicken industry, which sustains 1,206 family farms and provides jobs for 18,000 individuals.
A Celebratory Gathering
More than 750 attendees, including members of the DCA and supporters from the chicken community, gathered for an afternoon of festivities. The event featured delicious barbecued chicken generously provided by Perdue Farms and Crescent Foods, prepared and served by the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company and Harrington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Attendees also enjoyed delectable desserts from Schlabach’s Ice Cream, exciting door prizes, and over 50 vendor stalls.
Highlighting Community Leadership
The J. Frank Gordy Delmarva Distinguished Citizen Award: Far Nasir
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the J. Frank Gordy Delmarva Distinguished Citizen Award to Far Nasir. Named after a DCA founder, this award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the chicken industry and the community. Far Nasir, a chicken grower from Worcester County, Maryland, has been an influential member of the DCA since joining its board in 2019. His leadership as president in 2022 helped to shape a five-year strategic plan and diversify revenue sources for the association.
“DCA is really involved in everything that affects us as a grower on a day-to-day basis,” Nasir explained. “If you have something to say, DCA is the perfect way to express it because they help us make the change.”
The J. Frank Gordy Delmarva Distinguished Citizen Award: Val Nasir, left, and Far Nasir
The Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement: Ed and Chad Jackson
This year’s Edward H. Ralph DCA Medal of Achievement was awarded to Ed and Chad Jackson of Affinity Energy Management. This firm has been providing energy management solutions to DCA members since 2006, significantly reducing energy costs through innovative strategies. The Jacksons play an instrumental role in DCA’s Electric Buying Group, which brings together multiple customer accounts to secure competitive electric supply pricing.
“It’s been gratifying being able to help members save money,” Ed Jackson remarked. “We focus on working only with reputable suppliers to ensure fairness in contracts.”
The Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement: Chad Jackson, left, and Ed Jackson
The DCA Medal of Achievement: Senator Chris Coons
Lastly, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware received the DCA Medal of Achievement, awarded to an elected official for outstanding service to the chicken community. As a leader in the Senate “Chicken Caucus,” Coons has played a significant role in shaping crucial regulations and securing funding for agricultural health initiatives.
“Southern Delaware is dominated by chicken agriculture. It really is the center of agriculture in our state,” Coons noted, emphasizing his commitment to promoting chicken agriculture both in the U.S. and internationally. His current legislative efforts include the introduction of the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act to provide financial relief to growers affected by health outbreaks.
The DCA Medal of Achievement: Sen. Chris Coons
As the Delmarva chicken community continues to grow, the contributions from dedicated individuals and supportive legislation remain vital. The efforts of those honored at the Booster BBQ exemplify the collaborative spirit essential for the ongoing success of this significant industry.
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