Best Genetics to Homesteaders
USA Duck Team is a growing national network of NPIP-certified farms producing heritage-breed ducks for meat, eggs, ducklings, and hatching eggs. We connect buyers directly with verified farms raising the breeds they’re looking for.
Who We Are
USA Duck Team was founded to build a resilient, decentralized food system around heritage-breed waterfowl. We work with a coalition of farmers — including farmers with disabilities, women farmers, and veteran farmers — across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and beyond, connecting them with quality breeding stock, hatchery training, and direct markets for ducklings, duck eggs, and duck meat. Our NPIP-certified headquarters flock in Kansas City, KS anchors the Dempsey Plus Lemonade Cayuga genetic line, which has placed at national and state poultry shows. Our network is funded in part by a North Central SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant (FNC25-1484).
Our Breeds
Our network farms raise Cayuga, Ancona, Welsh Harlequin, Silver Appleyard, Muscovy, Pekin, Production Rouen, Barnyard Mix, and more. Each breed has its own strengths — whether you’re looking for a cold-hardy layer, a self-sufficient meat bird, a dual-purpose heritage breed, or exhibition stock. Use our farm map to find farms near you raising the breed you want.
Eggs
Duck eggs are richer, larger, and more nutritious than chicken eggs, with a higher yolk-to-white ratio that makes them exceptional for baking, pasta, and direct eating. Cayuga eggs start the season nearly black and lighten to gray and white as laying progresses — among the most visually striking eggs from any domestic breed. Network farms offer both eating eggs and hatching eggs. Contact the farm directly to let them know which you need.
Meat
Duck meat from heritage breeds tastes closer to beef than chicken — rich, flavorful, and sustainable. It’s an excellent alternative for people avoiding commodity poultry and a premium product for chefs and direct buyers. Network farms process under the USDA small-grower exemption and through USDA-inspected facilities. We are developing value-added products including duck jerky, confit, and preserved eggs. Shop duck meat here.
Exhibition and Showing
Our birds compete under American Poultry Association breed standards. Austin Noah, a USA Duck Team network member, won a Junior National Champion title with our Cayuga line. Our lead drake Mr. Lemonade won Best Old Drake at the 2024 APA Annual National, Best Medium at the 2025 Ozark Empire Fair, and Best Medium at the Missouri-Illinois State Poultry Association Championships. Thing 1 won Best Old Hen at the Missouri State Fair.
Find a Farm
Use the map on our Partner Farms page to find network farms near you, or browse by breed to find farms raising exactly what you’re looking for. Are you a farmer? Join the network here.