As Ontario marks Local Food Week from June 1 to 7, the province is also recognizing leadership in agriculture during the International Year of Women Farmers. Among the stories being celebrated is King Cole Ducks, a fourth-generation family farm that has grown from modest beginnings into a national leader in poultry production.
From its roots on a 100-acre farm in Newmarket, King Cole Ducks has expanded into Canada’s largest duck producer, now spanning more than 1,200 acres across York Region, with 19 farm locations and a team of 200 employees. Despite that growth, the business remains firmly grounded in its founding values as a 100 per cent Canadian-owned, family-run, and women-led operation.
A Legacy Built on Family and Farming
King Cole Ducks was founded in 1951 by Jim and Marg Murby, alongside their young son Bob. At the time, the goal was simple: to build a sustainable life through farming. More than seven decades later, that vision has evolved into a thriving enterprise that reflects both tradition and innovation.
“Good farmers make good food,” says Debbi Conzelmann, Chief Executive Officer of King Cole Ducks. That principle continues to guide the business as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to quality and stewardship.
For small-scale and family farmers, the King Cole story demonstrates how consistent values, combined with adaptability, can support long-term growth across generations.
A Unique Farm-to-Fork Model
One of the defining features of King Cole Ducks is its fully integrated production system, making it the only operation of its kind in North America.
From breeding and hatcheries to growing, processing, cooking, and product development, the company manages the entire farm-to-fork process. This level of oversight allows for strong quality control, traceability, and consistency, key considerations for both consumers and producers.
For smaller farms, the model highlights the importance of understanding and managing each step of production, even if full integration is not practical at a smaller scale.
Leading in Food Safety and Animal Care
King Cole Ducks has established itself as a leader in food safety and animal welfare.
The company was the first duck producer in North America to achieve Safe Quality Food (SQF) accreditation, a globally recognized standard for food safety. In addition, every bird is inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, supported by an in-house quality assurance team focused on exceeding regulatory requirements.
Animal welfare is also central to operations. Ducks are raised in free-run barns with proper ventilation, fresh bedding, and constant access to feed and water. Employees are trained in humane handling practices, reinforcing a culture where animal care is a shared responsibility.
These practices provide a useful benchmark for small farmers seeking to enhance both animal welfare and consumer confidence.
Sustainability Rooted in Everyday Practice
Long before sustainability became a major industry focus, King Cole Ducks built its operations around responsible land and resource management.
The farm operates with a closed-loop approach, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency across the business. Key practices include:
- A natural water recycling system that supports reduced water use
- Processing feathers into products such as duvets and pillows
- Composting manure and wood shavings into nutrient-rich fertilizer
- Using organic materials to support crop production on farm-owned land
- Maintaining a reforestation program to protect farmland for future generations
With zero product waste, nearly every output is repurposed, highlighting how circular practices can strengthen both environmental and economic sustainability.
A Model for the Next Generation
As Ontario celebrates Local Food Week and the contributions of women in agriculture, King Cole Ducks stands as a compelling example of what is possible for family farms.
Its growth from a small operation into a national leader was not driven by scale alone, but by a consistent commitment to quality, innovation, and stewardship. The leadership of women within the organization continues to shape its direction and success, offering inspiration for the next generation of farmers.
For small and mid-sized producers across Canada, the message is clear: strong values, smart management, and a long-term outlook can build resilience and opportunity, regardless of size.