Ducks in an Upper Midwestern Vineyard: Managing Pests, Weeds and Grass while Improving Soil Fertility

View the project final report

Commodities

• Fruits: grapes
• Animals: poultry

Practices

• Crop Production: food product quality/safety
• Education and Training: demonstration, on-farm/ranch research
• Pest Management: weeder geese/poultry
• Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems

Dual-purpose ducks were intensively, rotationally grazed under an established vineyard for the purpose of pest, weed and grass management and for the added benefit of increased soil fertility. Portable housing, fencing and water permitted use of the ducks’ foraging behavior and controlled application of manure. Winterized housing made it possible to start each growing season with a sizeable flock that provides effective stocking density early in the year, preventing annual weeds from going to seed and disrupting insect pests' life cycles. Pathogen testing helped monitor for risks associated with livestock in perennial food crops. Eggs were sold, at first, which offset costs of feed and labor; later, eggs became part of the nonprofit’s food access programs. Drakes in excess of stocking density were slaughtered on farm; the original proposal planned for drakes to be sold for meat but circumstances made this impractical. Positive outcomes included modest increases in soil organic matter, significant reductions in soil pH, and three years of clean food safety tests.  Hoped for outcomes that were not demonstrated included a reduction in labor hours compared to weeding and mowing in the vineyard and added income from duck eggs and meat. Findings are shared through an online presentation, written articles, field days, and a conference presentation.

1. Evaluate the usefulness of ducks in controlling grass, weeds and insects and improving soil fertility in a high-trellis midwestern vineyard.
2. Identify the ideal equipment for vineyard use of ducks in this climate (particularly housing, fencing and water).
3. Determine whether egg and meat sales significantly offset the cost of feed and labor.
4. Quantify the ideal stocking density and rotational pacing for a small-scale vineyard.
5. Ascertain whether food safety issues affect the viability of this practice.
6. Share our learnings through field days, social media and a conference presentation.