What if you could indulge in tasty, rich meat without worrying about the environmental footprint? Duck is a delicious way to eat meat responsibly.
Built from a sustainable concept, Maple Leaf Farms raises ducks responsibly for a lasting future by being good stewards of our natural resources, our animals, and our community. Donald Wentzel started Maple Leaf Farms in 1958 with one idea in mind: bring the duck to where the resources to raise them are.
We believe we can produce one of the most sustainable meats in the world by farming ethically, putting the environment first, and letting nothing go to waste. Here’s why we believe our duck is the ultimate sustainable meat:
1. Local Farmer Support
Maple Leaf Farms duck supports over 150 local farmers who raise ducks sustainably on small farms. Our feed mill purchases corn, soy, and wheat from local farmers to craft feed recipes to nourish our ducks. The duck’s waste generated on the farm is even applied to local farmland as fertilizer.
2. Efficient Use of Resources
Duck farming requires less land, less water, and fewer resources compared to larger livestock. Maple Leaf Farms prioritizes raising and processing ducks using as little resources as possible without compromising on farming ethics and product quality.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint
Duck farming produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than other types of meat like beef and pork. Maple Leaf Farms also lowers our carbon footprint through our vertical integration. Operating our own feed mill, hatcheries, and processing plants, allows us to better control the inputs into our products and efficiently use fossil fuels.
4. No Flavor Compromises
Unlike many other poultry options, Duck is sustainable without lacking in flavor. Due to its high iron content and red meat appearance and taste, many turn to duck as an alternative to the rich flavors of beef and pork. Not only does it provide the taste of red meat, but it also provides a much healthier nutrition profile to those looking for alternatives.
5. Nothing Goes to Waste
At Maple Leaf Farms we believe in using “everything but the quack”. This meaning that every part of the duck goes into a meaningful product to either nourish our customers or give back to the earth. Whether our ducks are used for food products, feather pillows, pet food, or fertilizer, every part of the duck goes into a useful product (with the acceptation of the quack sound, we will leave that to Duck Dynasty) .
When choosing your protein option, make every bite count. Eating duck supports our country’s farmers and farmland through sustainable raising practices that make a difference. Duck can be used as a sustainable substitute in almost any pork, beef or poultry recipe without compromising flavor. Not only is it versatile, but it’s also healthy, making it better for your health and the health of the environment.
Since 1958, Maple Leaf Farms has been raising duck the right way, sustainably.