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Emu Industry Sees Surge of Interest
Number of Farms Increasing
Sixes, OR, May 2005: The American Emu Association reported today seeing an
increase in emu farming interest nationwide. Although raised for its heart
healthy red meat, one of the major food by-products of the bird, the oil, is
receiving rave reviews from health and beauty companies for it’s
anti-inflammatory and transdermal properties. It is used in pain relief
formulas; anti-aging lotions and other skin care products. The leather is used
in the manufacture of footwear, wallets, purses and other items, with the
reptilian-like leg skin being a favorite for trim. The double-plumed feathers
are used in the manufacture of a variety of items as well in the fashion
industry. Egg artists, particularly those who carve, seek out the large green
emu egg.
AEA reports that the inquiries received have been split between homesteaders
looking for a meat animal that can be raised on limited acreage and established
farmers looking to diversify their existing farming operation. The emu is seen
as an attractive alternative to traditional meat animals by homesteaders because
after harvesting the meat the food by-products can be sold. “You can wind up
with free meat for your family’s table,” said Gerald Edwards, AEA President.
“Selling the food by-products pays for the feed and gives a profit.”
Additionally, the eggs can be eaten or sold to artists or crafters. For
established farmers, the feed conversion ratio, small acreage requirements and
potential return on investment make diversifying with emu attractive. “If you
have land that is not being used profitably because the soil has been depleted,
adding emu can be a good move,” said Edwards. “They will actually help rebuild
the soil.”
“The emu industry went through a painful transition from speculator market to a
products (farm-to-finish) market in the late 90’s. It has been farm-to-finish
for several years now and we are getting ready for another painful transition,
to that of a processor market,” said Edwards. “In order to get animal processors
interested in purchasing the process weight bird, there has to be a demand for
the meat and the food by-products.” Edwards went on to say that transition to
the processor market is occurring faster in some parts of the country than in
others. Some emu farmers will continue with farm-to-finish rather than sell the
birds at process weight. “We try to keep our members up to date with industry
news. If we get a call for products or birds, those requests are disseminated
appropriately.” AEA is preparing for it’s fifteenth convention, held this year
in Mobile, Alabama from July 15th through 17th.
The American Emu Association is a non-profit trade association representing the
emu industry. The emu industry is an alternative agricultural industry,
dominated by the small farmer, who is devoted to humane and environmentally
positive practices that will produce beneficial products for society. For more
information about the American Emu Association (AEA) or the emu industry visit
http://www.aea-emu.org or call 541-332-0675.
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