LEESBURG — A glimpse into the operations of Maple Leaf Farms was among the highlights of the 2018 Purdue Extension Service of Kosciusko County Extension annual meeting. The meeting also included recognition of the Extension All Stars and election of extension board members.

Close to 95 people attended the annual meeting held Monday, March 5, at Maple Leaf Farms Corporate Headquarters, Leesburg.

Valerie Messmore, Pierceton; Sarah Tucker, and Hannah Jansma, both of Mentone; Madeline Zimmerman, Milford; Conner Grumme, Pierceton; and Mark Wise, Claypool, were named this year’s Extension All Stars. Each one participated in activities that promoted extension services.

Lauren Klusman, Winona Lake, left; and Chris Stoller, Milford, were two of three new board members elected to the Kosciusko County Extension Board. Pam Schumm, Syracuse, was the third new member elected.

Messmore, Tucker and Jansma, members of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, partnered with the 4-H Council and Mindy Wise, 4-H Youth Development educator, to launch a county 4-H marketing campaign in the fall. They promoted 4-H to middle school students in five of the six county middle schools. An open house culminated their project with 168 guests attending. There were 68 age-eligible attendees and 70 percent enrolled in 4-H.

Zimmerman and Grumme attended the Teens as Teachers workshop for biotechnology. These two were instrumental in teaching STEM based activities at the first county Farm Camp. Zimmerman taught a session at the 4-H Mini Day camp on biotechnology and both are currently assisting in teaching some of these same lessons as part of the Farmer and Fourth-grade classroom partnership program.

Wise has been a dedicated volunteer for the annual Ag Day. He has been a committee member serving in various roles and oversees the swine booth, where his passion for educating students about swine is evident and has resulted in teachers rating him the top booth or in the top three.

Key Speaker

Zach Tucker, a member of the county extension board and great-grandson of Maple Leaf Farms founder, Donald Wentzel, gave a power point presentation on the history of the company, operations of the local company, a little duck education, and Maple Leaf’s overseas presence. He also shared a few favorite duck entrées from different parts of the world. Tucker is live production audit and research project manager for the company.

Maple Leaf Farms is celebrating its 60^th year. During the presentation it was noted the company name is based on the property Wentzel purchased for the company — a maple syrup farm. This location is where the production facility is located on CR 200E, Milford. Thus the name Maple Leaf Farms.

Wentzel’s son-in-law, Terry Tucker, took over the company in 1968. In 2001, Terry Tucker’s sons, Scott and John, were named co-presidents. The fourth generation joined the family business in 2013 and the Tucker family continues to set the direction for the company.

Among the wealth of information Zach Tucker provided were facts Maple Leaf Farms today produces 10-12 million white Pekin ducks annually and work with 150 plus family farms who care for the ducks.

Noting the company’s presence in China and Bulgaria, Tucker noted the operations, which are primarily breeder stocks, are located in Feicheng in the Shandong Province of China and in Sofia, in Bulgaria.

New Board

Prior to the close of the meeting, five individuals were elected to the county extension board and two outgoing members recognized. Tyler Boganwright and Rita Irwin were elected to their second three-year term. Chris Stoller, Milford; Pam Schumm, Syracuse; and Lauren Klusman, Winona Lake were elected to their first three-year term.

Recognition was given to Tyler Bouse, Julie Popenfoose and Brent Hoffman who are retiring board members, serving two terms on the board.

Shown are members of the Kosciusko County Extension Board. Shown in front, from left are Debra Schroeder, Rita Irwin, Judy Egolf, Deb Fitzsimmons and Lauren Klusman. In back are Jenny Nelson, Tyler Boganwright, Kylene Crabb, David Lash, Chris Stoller and Zach Tucker. (Photo by Deb Patterson)