WORCESTER COUNTY, Md.-While rising prices have had an impact on many, it’s also impacting farming operations.

Worcester County farmer, Virgil Shockley, said he sees it first hand on his electric bill. He said to operate his chicken houses he needs to run tunnel fans in order to keep the chickens and the space cool. But, he said from January to now he’s seen a 3 cent increase per kilo watt in the price to run those fans. Shockley said while it may seem like a small increase it’s having a big impact.

“A normal house burns about 600, $18 to a poultry farmer you’re looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of just what, I have we only have 2 houses, $300 a month,” Shockley said. “If you have a dozen houses, multiply that times whatever and you’ve got a huge increase in your electric bill.”

Farmer Shockley said he has no choice but to pay those electric rates. He added the cost they have to take in on the farm comes off their profits.