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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 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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 134
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