Our Heritage
Founded by Donald Wentzel in 1958, Maple Leaf Farms started out as a small duck operation in Northern Indiana dedicated to producing products with "quality you can count on.” In its first year, the company produced only 280,000 ducks. Today, Maple Leaf Farms has grown its annual duck production to more than 9-12 million.
Wentzel was convinced that the U.S. duck industry could grow significantly if the right care was put into it. Although he passed away in 1968, Wentzel imparted this vision to his son-in-law, Terry Tucker, who has been with the company since 1963. Under Tucker's leadership, the company made several strategic moves to grow the business and become more vertically integrated, emerging as a market leader.
Timeline of Maple Leaf Farms
Maple Leaf Farms is founded by Donald Wentzel
Don buys existing poultry plant after deciding to leave the feed trade in Chicago. A simple idea sparked it all: bring the ducks to where the feed is.
280,000 Ducks Raised in First Year
During Maple Leaf Farms first year 280,000 ducks were raised in our Milford location.
Terry Tucker Joins the Company
Terry joins Maple Leaf Farms full time after graduating from Purdue. He and Sandra, Don's daughter, married several years prior after meeting while Terry worked part-time unloading ducks.
Leadership Responsibilities are Transferred to Terry
After Don's unexpected death, Terry is promoted to Executive Vice President and assumes leadership of our company.
Serenade Foods Established
Our Serenade processing facility is built to create value added duck products such as our famous Roast Half Duck.
Feed Mill & Hatchery Built
Our feed mill and hatchery are built to help further our vertical integration process. We can finally craft our own feed for ducks and create an optimal environment for eggs.
Purchase of C&D
Terry leads our company in the acquisition of C&D Foods, making us the #1 duck producer in North America. This leads to the establishment our Maple Leaf Farms Wisconsin division.
Down, Inc. Established
Down, Inc. is formed as a sister company to Maple Leaf Farms to create feather and down bedding items. Check out their products.
New Breeding Facilities Built
High biosecurity clearance level farm and hatchery facilities built throughout the 90s to secure the health of our duck breeding stock.
Tucker Brothers Promoted to Co-Presidents
John & Scott Tucker are promoted to Co-President roles. They assume daily management oversight of the company. Terry oversees them as CEO.
International Division is Established
Maple Leaf Farms International Division, MLF INDUX, is established to sell breeding stock internationally- helping grow duck farms throughout the world.
New HQ Opens
After outgrowing our Milford office, a majority of our corporate staff moves into a new headquarters down the road in Leesburg.
Meet the Tucker Family
Meet our Team
Company Store
Visit our company store for all things Maple Leaf Farms!
Located within our Headquarters in the heart of Leesburg, Indiana, you will find a variety of retail duck products from Whole Ducks to Duck Fat. Here you can also find down bedding items such as pillows and comforters from our sister brand, Down Inc. Find everything duck in one location for your convenience. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.