[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 134 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E863-E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MAPLE LEAF FARMS CEO AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD TERRY TUCKER ON 
                             HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2021

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Tucker, who 
retired this summer after decades at the helm of Maple Leaf Farms in 
Leesburg, Indiana. Under his leadership, this family-owned business has 
become a top duck producer in North America, as well as a major center 
of economic growth and job creation in our community.
  A lifelong Hoosier, Terry has firsthand experience with the many 
tasks required to run a busy duck farm. His history with Maple Leaf 
Farms began as a part-time job in high school when his tasks ranged 
from cleaning out duck barns to loading ducks for transport to 
processing plants.
  While he was in college at Purdue University, Terry married Sandra 
Wentzel, the daughter of Maple Leaf Farms founder Donald Wentzel. After 
graduating with a degree in agriculture economics, Terry returned to 
the farm full time in 1963 and quickly demonstrated leadership and 
business acumen. He was named treasurer in 1966 and, after Donald's 
death, was promoted to executive vice president in 1968. As Maple Leaf 
Farms grew in both capacity and numbers, Terry's responsibilities 
continued to increase. In 1974, he was named chief executive officer, 
president, and chairman of the board of Maple Leaf Farms.
  For more than 30 years, Terry strategically led Maple Leaf Farms and 
invested in its growth. Under his leadership, the Tucker Family 
expanded and modernized the farm's operations, including acquiring the 
United States' largest duck producer, C&D Foods of Wisconsin, 
constructing new biosecure facilities, and doubling the capacity of its 
Indiana duck processing plant.
  In 2001, Terry stepped down as president of the company and turned 
this responsibility over to his sons, Scott and John, who serve as co-
presidents for the company. Since then, he has remained incredibly 
active in Maple Leaf Farms as CEO and chairman of the board of 
directors, helping to lead this Indiana company into the 21st century.
  In addition to his work at Maple Leaf Farms, Terry also has 
volunteered his time and expertise to invest in our region and the 
industry, serving on many boards, including Lakeland Financial 
Corporation, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Purdue Research Foundation, 
Liberty Mutual, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Indiana State Poultry 
Association, Poultry & Egg Institute of America, and the Indiana 
Institute of Agriculture, Food & Nutrition. In recognition of his 
accomplishments, Terry has been honored with many awards, including an 
Honorary Doctorate of Agriculture from Purdue University in 1995.
  Terry and his wife, Sandra, have invested decades of hard work to our 
region, building a successful business and feeding American families. 
They are incredible leaders in our community and have made remarkable 
contributions to this vital industry.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank 
Terry Tucker for his

[[Page E864]]

exemplary leadership and commitment to Maple Leaf Farms, our region, 
and American families. As he embarks on a new chapter, I wish Terry and 
the Tucker Family continued good health, happiness, and success in the 
years to come.

                          ____________________