Why This Duck Breed is Taking Farms by Storm—and It’s All About Appleyards!

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:59:31 +0000

Why the Appleyard Duck Breed Is Taking Farms by Storm
An Ultimate Guide to This Rising Star in Sustainable Poultry Farming If you’ve been scouting hardy, profitable, and visually charming duck breeds for your farm, the Appleyard Duck is quickly becoming the top choice among farmers and homesteaders alike. Known for its balanced temperament, exceptional egg production, and striking appearance, the Appleyard breed is capturing attention not only for its performance but also for its adaptability to modern sustainable farming systems. ### What Makes the Appleyard Duck So Popular? The Appleyard duck—named after its distinct golden-and-white appleyard pattern—was developed in the UK during the 1920s by crossing existing British duck breeds with racewater ducks, aiming to blend robustness and productivity. Today, its rise on farms across Europe, North America, and beyond reflects a growing demand for dual-purpose poultry that delivers high-quality eggs alongside manageable behavior.