Join us for a one-of-a-kind waterfowl on-farm slaughter workshop at Sugar Top Farm in Hyde Park, Sunday, October 11th, from 9:00am–12:00pm, featuring Muscovy ducks. The workshop will explore Muscovies as a sustainable protein source for the homestead, offer step-by-step slaughter and butchering instruction and demonstrations, and provide an opportunity for hands-on learning. If time and interest allow, our hosts will lead a farm tour featuring mobile poultry tractors and thriving Muscovy flocks. There will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A throughout. Rural Vermont will also share updates on federal and state on-farm slaughter regulations, as well as highlights from the 2026 legislative session.
Our Farmer Hosts: Kristin Plante, a certified veterinary technician turned homeschooling mother and organic farmer, and her husband, Mark Bourdeau, have been raising pastured poultry on their Vermont farm for nearly two decades. Both are from generations of farming families. Their journey with Muscovy ducks began as a hobby for their daughter more than 12 years ago, but they became passionate about the resilience of Muscovy ducks as a sustainable protein source and a cornerstone of food sovereignty when the world shut down in 2020.
Five Reasons (among many!) to Raise Muscovies!
Jumbo Eggs That Taste Delicious
Tasty, Protein-Rich Meat
Great Free-Rangers
Excellent Pest Controllers
Less Messy Than Other Duck Breeds
Registration: $75/participant
*Price includes a copy of the Muscovy e-book with poultry tractor design, two printed Muscovy duck recipes, and a package of two Muscovy duck breasts for each participant.
Special Notes: Please bring a water bottle & snacks (if needed). Please wear rugged footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
Workshop Safety Notes:
Muscovy ducks have long, sharp nails. Gloves are recommended if participants desire to handle live birds.
Processing will be en plein air, so appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended (October can be cold and rainy)
For the comfort and safety of our LGDs, no dogs allowed. This means, not even in a running vehicle.
A Note About Workshop Pricing & Registration:
Rural Vermont works alongside farm hosts, instructors, and other non-profits to bring a variety of workshops and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to our members and communities throughout Vermont. Our ticket prices are built on the needs of the community, the farm hosts and instructors, and the workshop's structure. We work hard to provide accessible, high-quality programming, pay fair compensation to our farm hosts and instructors, and cover the cost of managing and producing our workshops. As such, our ticket prices vary by workshop, and we strive to keep them within a fair range. Thank you for participating and learning alongside us!