The Eastern Shore is an important dairy and poultry region; cattle are raised in north-central and western Maryland, while the central region is notable for horse breeding. In 2001, poultry farmers produced an estimated 9.5 million lb (4.3 million kg) of chickens and 1.38 billion lb (0.63 billion kg) of broilers for around $552.6 million. Also in 2001, Maryland farmers produced an estimated 870 million eggs worth around $44 million.
An estimated 1.3 billion lb (0.6 billion kg) of milk was produced in 2001 from 82,000 dairy cows. Maryland farms and ranches had an estimated 240,000 cattle and calves worth around $235 million in 2003. In 2002, there were an estimated 45,000 hogs and pigs, worth $3.1 million.