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(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 22, 2008 ) San Angelo, TX - During their annual mid-year meeting, held this year in Nashville, TN, the American Emu Association (AEA) reported seeing an increase in emu farming interest nationwide - as well as international. Although raised for its heart healthy red meat, one of the major co-products of the bird, the oil, is receiving rave reviews from health and beauty companies for its 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 as 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 the traditional meat animal by homesteaders because after harvesting the meat the other co-products can be sold. “You can wind up with free meat for your family’s table,” said Charles Ramey, AEA President. “Selling the co-products will pay for the feed and give a profit.” Co-products consist of: oil, hides, feathers, skeletons, claws, eggs and manure. 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 Ramey. “They will actually help rebuild the soil.”
“The emu industry went through a painful transition from speculator market to a farm to finish products 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 Ramey. “We are seeing an increase in demand for the meat and food co-products and hope this will lead to the purchase of process weight emus in the near future.” Ramey 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 its eighteenth convention, held this year in Harrisburg, PA from July 18 through 20, 2008.
For more information about the emu industry, visit www.aea-emu.org or call 1-541-332-0675.
Founded in 1989, the AEA is a nonprofit organization of breeders, producers and marketers of emu meat, oil and other emu co-products. AEA's mission is to establish value of emu products through research, market development and industry positioning. A Board of Directors elected by its members governs all AEA activities. Through the voluntary efforts of its members, the AEA has worked to develop a consistent numbering system and nomenclature for cuts of meat, gained mandatory USDA inspection of emu meat at processing, gained acceptance for the emu into the National Poultry Improvement Plan, has established international trade rules for emu oil and created an Oil Certification Program to ensure the consumer a safe product. The AEA publishes the EMUpdate, a bimonthly newsletter, several industry flyers and sales aids along with the National Convention handouts.
American Emu Association
American Emu Association
541-332-0675
pr@aea-emu.net 
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