Robin's Nest Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Inside Culver Duck Farms: Humane Care from Hatch to Harvest
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Guests:

• Heidi Pardon, Corporate Vet Services Manager, Culver Duck Farms
• Drew Frey, Director of Live Operations, Culver Duck Farms

1. Introduction to Culver Duck Farms

Dr. Robin Ganzert opens the episode by highlighting the deep bond humans share with animals, both domestic and wild. She introduces Heidi Pardon and Drew Frey from Culver Duck Farms, emphasizing their extensive experience and commitment to humane and sustainable poultry practices.

Robin [00:01]: "Join us for lively, informative conversations where together we will build a more humane world."

2. Evolution of the Duck Industry Over Four Decades

Drew Frey reflects on his nearly 40-year tenure in the duck industry, noting significant changes, especially in the last eight years due to heightened biosecurity concerns like avian influenza.

Drew Frey [01:43]: "I've seen a lot of changes. And over the last eight years, it's just rapidly changed."

Heidi Pardon adds that continuous improvement and education have been pivotal in adapting to these changes, ensuring that all team members are well-versed in current farm operations and potential risks.

Heidi Pardon [02:08]: "It's been a major focus on continuous improvement and continuous education for all levels of the company."

3. The Importance of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare

Robin delves into the concept of biosecurity—a term that might be unfamiliar to many listeners. She contrasts the current emphasis on biosecurity with practices from 40 years ago, highlighting the industry's shift towards preventing diseases like bird flu.

Robin [02:22]: "A lot of people who are listening in today's Robin's Nest never thought about a word like biosecurity."

Heidi explains that biosecurity measures are intrinsically linked to animal welfare, ensuring the health and well-being of ducks by preventing disease transmission.

Heidi Pardon [05:43]: "We talk animal welfare and we talk biosecurity, but they really do hand in hand."

4. Impact of Avian Influenza on the Poultry Industry

The conversation shifts to the pressing issue of avian influenza. Drew and Heidi discuss its devastating effects, including the necessity to depopulate entire flocks upon detection of the virus.

Heidi Pardon [07:35]: "When you have one positive bird, you have to depopulate the entire flock. It is a huge safety factor taken very seriously."

They emphasize the emotional toll these measures take on farmers and the broader community, as well as the logistical challenges in maintaining operations during outbreaks.

Drew Frey [09:33]: "It's been devastating to the poultry industry. Right now. The dairy industry is facing some big challenges."

5. Family Farms: The Backbone of Culver Duck

Culver Duck Farms predominantly partners with Amish Mennonite growers, celebrating their generational legacy and commitment to farming. Drew highlights the challenges these farmers face, such as land scarcity, and the importance of poultry barns in sustaining multi-generational farming.

Drew Frey [05:12]: "It's hard to make a living off the farm like they used to. Poultry barns are one way to keep the family at home."

Heidi underscores the familial bonds and the importance of educating the next generation to ensure the continuity of these family-run farms.

Heidi Pardon [10:39]: "It's about that next generation."

6. American Humane Certification Process

Robin explores the significance of Culver Duck Farms achieving American Humane certification. Heidi details the collaborative and iterative process of certification, emphasizing continual improvement and tailored practices for duck farming.

Heidi Pardon [14:33]: "It truly was a walkthrough with the certification to say, does this all make sense?"

Drew adds that transparency and strong relationships with producers were crucial in successfully navigating the certification process.

Drew Frey [15:09]: "Very true."

7. Enhancing Consumer Understanding and Market Trends

The guests discuss the growing interest in duck as a protein source in American diets. They identify the key barrier as consumer unfamiliarity with cooking duck and highlight their efforts in education and product offerings to make duck more accessible.

Drew Frey [12:33]: "More people are interested in trying duck. Our stable customers have been our more Asian customers."

Heidi emphasizes the role of education in changing perceptions about duck meat and promoting proper cooking techniques.

Heidi Pardon [12:55]: "Education and the association of wild duck. Oh, it's gamey. Oh, it's this, it's that. It is the key."

8. Transparency and Open Access to Farms

Heidi and Drew advocate for transparency in farming practices. They welcome consumers and stakeholders to tour their barns, demystifying the farming process and dispelling misconceptions about "factory farms."

Heidi Pardon [17:48]: "We want to give it to everybody. You know, it's not a, oh, this is the best barn."

Drew echoes the sentiment, stressing the importance of educating the public and fostering openness.

Drew Frey [17:14]: "We are more than happy to take people through our barns."

9. Personal Stories and Commitment to Animal Welfare

The episode concludes with personal anecdotes from Heidi and Drew, highlighting their lifelong dedication to animal welfare and farming. Heidi shares her journey from a hog farm to becoming a key figure in duck farming, while Drew reflects on transitioning from an urban upbringing in Fort Wayne to a rewarding agricultural career.

Heidi Pardon [23:30]: "I've been very fortunate with all of my mentors in all of the years I say I'm still learning."

Drew Frey [23:23]: "I've loved it and it's been a very rewarding experience."

They also touch upon the importance of nurturing the next generation, both within their families and the broader community.

10. Conclusion and Future Collaborations

Robin wraps up the episode by congratulating Culver Duck Farms on their certification and expressing enthusiasm for future collaborative efforts, such as the upcoming "Global Humane Table" cookbook. Heidi and Drew express their gratitude and eagerness to continue their partnership with American Humane.

Drew Frey [26:51]: "Thank you for having us here and just letting us share a little bit about what we do."

Heidi Pardon [27:00]: "We do. We very much look forward to the partnership and continuing for years to come."

Robin encourages listeners to stay connected with American Humane and subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening discussions.

Key Takeaways:

• Commitment to Humane Practices: Culver Duck Farms prioritizes animal welfare and biosecurity, ensuring the health and well-being of their ducks.
• Family Legacy: The farms are predominantly run by multi-generational Amish Mennonite families, emphasizing tradition and sustainable farming.
• Addressing Avian Influenza: The industry faces significant challenges from bird flu, necessitating rigorous protocols and emotional resilience from farmers.
• American Humane Certification: Achieving certification involved a collaborative, transparent process focused on continual improvement.
• Consumer Education: Efforts are underway to familiarize American consumers with duck as a protein source through education and accessible products.
• Transparency in Farming: Open access to farms helps demystify poultry farming and combat misconceptions about factory farming.
• Future Endeavors: Continued partnerships aim to enhance animal welfare and promote sustainable, ethically sourced food.

By providing an in-depth look into Culver Duck Farms, this episode of Robin's Nest underscores the intricate balance between maintaining traditional farming practices and adapting to modern challenges to ensure a humane and sustainable future for poultry farming.