Indiana-based Culver Duck Farm sets itself apart in the poultry community by centering its efforts on continuous improvement, animal welfare, team member safety and efficient operations.

Culver Duck first began back in 1858 with the Hallock family raising Pekin ducks on Long Island. "That's kind of where the center of the Pekin duck industry started in the United States," said Sean Smith, general manager of Culver Duck Farm.

From 1858 to 1920, the Hallock family became the largest commercial duck farm in the world. In 1940, a hurricane disrupted operations and the surrounding area. Smith said that as property values increased and environmental issues grew, the Hallock family decided to move to Middlebury, Ind., in 1960. The family built a USDA processing facility in 1978, where it operates today.

In 2013, Culver Duck Farm began construction on a new energy-saving green power anaerobic digester to enhance sustainable practices. “The current facility creates enough electricity to power the equivalent of 180 homes per day,” Smith said.

In 2015, Joe Jurgielewicz & Son purchased Culver Duck. JJS owns a similar operation in Pennsylvania, and both companies raise 12 million ducks annually.

Smith noted that Culver Duck's farm family network in Northern Indiana is 95% Amish, with many growers having been with the farm for over 10 years. This long-term partnership and community trust are key components of the farm’s operations.

The most popular and consistent best sellers for Culver Duck Farm include whole duck and duck breast. "Duck breast is extremely popular and smoked duck breast and duck confit," Smith said. He noted that for their whole birds, Western style and Buddhist style are most popular. Western style ducks have no head and feet, while traditional Buddhist style ducks have head and feet attached. Smith noted that the traditional Buddhist style birds go to Asian barbecue shops.

Culver Duck prides itself on poultry welfare practices. Six year ago, Culver Duck doubled down on its animal welfare practices by partnering with American Humane for third-party validation of their commitment to continuous improvement in duck welfare. Culver Duck is the first and only meat duck farm in North America to hold American Humane Certified status.

Culver Duck has been expanding its export opportunities through partners with the USA Poultry, Egg, and Export Council. Culver Duck recently participated in the Delicious USA Food Festival 2024 in Hong Kong and Macau, an event that helped educate people about Western duck products, differentiating them from those typically found in China and surrounding areas. At the event, 43 restaurants in Hong Kong and eight in Macau featured US ingredients, including Culver Duck’s White Pekin duck. Culver Duck dishes were also featured across a range of cuisines at the monthlong event, from Cantonese and Mexican to Japanese and French. USAPEEC first recommended this partnership to Culver Duck. Culver Duck also recently went on a trade mission to India, showcasing its poultry products. These international efforts are enabling Culver Duck to not only break into new markets, but educate more consumers on the nutritional and culinary benefits of duck products.

For 2025, Culver Duck plans to implement improved feather handling equipment, adding value to manufacturers by separating feathers from down.

"We're always looking to offer new items to our clients," Smith said. Culver Duck plans to continue to expand its product offerings, exploring new fully cooked duck offerings for the coming year.

www.provisoneronline.com   |  JUNE 2025