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Sustainability for the Land, Ducks, and People
In simplest terms, sustainability is the impact of a farm's operations upon its animals, the environment around the farm, and the local community. It is their single most powerful statement describing the quality of their farm…..which ultimately determines the quality of their product. The sustainability program at the Joe Jurgielewicz & Son farm is refreshingly transparent to local schools, universities, merchants, and the general public through farm tours and seminars that are held throughout the year. The farm's operations were also featured on The History Channel in 2010.
Pekin Paradise is not a farm operation and we are not involved with the exemplary sustainability program at the Joe Jurgielewicz & Son farm. However, we are located next to the farm and can honestly report on the impact of the farm's operations on our environment. As a living witness to the farm's sustainability, we are constantly taking photographs of the land that borders the farm. Our wildlife gallery displays an undisputed balance of nature that thrives with an abundance of species. Our clean waters teem with trout; migratory birds enjoy the food sources; and, carnivores eat heartily. The Joe Jurgielewicz & Son farm operates in a responsible manner to leave no impact on our natural ecosystem.
Dr. Joe Jurgielewicz explains it best:
The heritage of Joe Jurgielewicz & Son is now in its fourth generation of raising Pekin Duck. As a farming family, we embrace the daily chores, our community, and this delicate land that is entrusted to our care. By attending to these priorities, we have cultivated an environment to raise the most healthy and succulent duck in America.
It all began with my grandparents, Bronislaw and Katryna Jurgielewicz back in 1933 on Long Island, New York. Fifty years later, my parents and I found 500 pristine acres in Eastern Pennsylvania. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1983, we built our new homes and a new farm on this land nestled in the foothills of Blue Mountain. Today we enjoy four full seasons, exquisite views, and the hearty traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch community.
Our families live here. Our neighbors depend upon our responsible stewardship. Our ducks deserve a clean upbringing. Our clients are entitled to nothing less than a wholesome product. These are the reasons that Joe Jurgielewicz & Son takes sustainable agriculture very seriously. We have invested millions of dollars to protect this ecosystem and the return is evident on many levels. Everything that leaves this farm is processed to enhance your quality of life and preserve the natural biological cycles around us.
We believe the proof of a conscientious farm operation can be seen and felt on the land around the farm. That is why our Environmental Coordinator also wears the hat of our Conservation Officer. Our waterways and grass buffer strips that stop erosion are also designed for animal cover. We have designated food plots for wildlife. Our strawberry fields are open to our associates. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission trusts our clean waters with their trout for public fishing. Our processed waste leaves our plant with nutrient balance sheets for the farmers that enrich their soils with our fertilizers. Technology, education, and experience provide us with the sustainability tools….our appreciation of the land impassions us to use those tools.
A happy duck is a healthy duck…..a healthy duck is a happy chef.