Long Island’s Crescent Duck Farm, once a symbol of the island’s dominance in duck farming, now faces an uncertain future following a devastating outbreak of avian flu. The incident has not only raised questions about the survival of the farm but also highlighted the fragility of small agricultural operations in the face of global challenges.
A Legacy of Duck Farming on Long Island
Long Island has a storied history of duck farming, dating back to the early 20th century. During its peak in the 1960s, the region was home to over 100 duck farms, producing up to 7.5 million birds annually, which accounted for two-thirds of the nation’s duck output. Abundant freshwater streams, a favorable climate, and proximity to major East Coast cities made Long Island a hub for duck production.
Today, Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue is the last remaining commercial duck farm on the island. Owned by the Corwin family since the 1640s, the farm has endured through generations, maintaining its reputation by supplying high-quality ducks to restaurants across the Northeast, including prestigious establishments in New York City.
The Avian Flu Outbreak and Its Impact
The recent avian flu outbreak has brought devastating consequences to Crescent Duck Farm. Federal officials ordered the destruction of the farm’s entire flock—approximately 100,000 birds—after signs of the virus were detected. The outbreak has left the farm quarantined, with all barns undergoing a months-long sanitization process.
Doug Corwin, the fourth-generation owner of the 140-acre farm, described the situation as heartbreaking. “We’re just stunned right now,” he said. “It’s a very, very sad time. We’re trying our best to work our way through this, one step at a time.”
The financial fallout forced Corwin to lay off 47 of his 75 staff members, some of whom had worked there for decades. The farm’s revenue has plummeted, and its future remains uncertain.
Challenges of Restarting Operations
Despite the devastating losses, the farm has managed to preserve several thousand duck eggs, which could serve as the foundation for rebuilding its flock. These eggs, stored under strict quarantine, will undergo offsite sanitization and hatching, followed by rigorous testing to ensure they are free from the virus.
However, restarting operations presents significant challenges. Corwin emphasized the need for federal approval of poultry vaccination to safeguard smaller farms against future outbreaks. While vaccinations could prevent similar catastrophes, larger industrial farms oppose them due to concerns about international trade restrictions.
Without vaccination approval, Corwin fears smaller farms like his will continue to face significant risks. “If duck farming isn’t an option, I’m not sure what we’d do,” he admitted.
The Decline of Duck Farming on Long Island
The challenges faced by Crescent Duck Farm are emblematic of broader issues that have led to the decline of duck farming on Long Island. Higher operating costs, stricter regulations, and suburban development have gradually reduced the number of farms over the decades.
Crescent Duck Farm’s longevity has largely been attributed to its commitment to producing a superior product. The farm’s ducks are known for their thick, meaty breasts and ideal fat content, making them a favorite among chefs and consumers. “The only way we’ve survived on Long Island is by making a duck that is different from our competition,” Corwin explained.
Global Implications of the Avian Flu Crisis
The avian flu outbreak is not limited to Crescent Duck Farm; it is part of a larger crisis affecting poultry farms worldwide. In the past 30 days, at least 13 million birds have been infected across the United States, with infections becoming increasingly common despite stringent biosecurity measures.
Though rare, cases of bird flu infecting humans have been reported. The U.S. has confirmed 67 human cases and one death. The strain, however, poses a much greater threat to poultry, with devastating consequences for commercial farms.
The closure of Crescent Duck Farm would mark the end of an era for Long Island’s duck farming legacy. While the farm’s survival hinges on overcoming immediate challenges, it also depends on systemic changes such as federal approval for poultry vaccination.
As the Corwin family navigates this uncertain period, the future of Long Island’s last commercial duck farm hangs in the balance, reflecting the vulnerability of small-scale agriculture in a rapidly changing world.
