(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 01, 2008 ) Harrisburg, PA – Emu may seem like an unusual livestock for the Keystone state; but I. Michael Eppley, president of the Pennsylvania Emu Farmers Association (PEFA) is quick to point out that for most small-scale farms, mainstream agriculture is not cost effective. When looking for an alternative, many find emu farming attractive. “The birds are docile, quiet, easy to raise and they produce a number of marketable end products,” said Eppley. “Here in Pennsylvania many of our emu farms have evolved into integrated farming operations. They raise the birds, arrange for processing and then either sell the raw products or they have those raw products turned into end products which they sell.” Emu co-products include the fat which is turned into health and beauty products, the feathers and hide that are used in the fashion industry. Emu eggshells are sought after by egg artists and crafters. Fresh emu eggs are available seasonably. According to USDA there are over a hundred emu farms scattered across Pennsylvania.

PEFA is a state affiliate of the American Emu Association, a national organization that supports the emu industry by promoting research and public awareness of emu products. This year’s national convention was held in Harrisburg, PA. Eppley who resides near Berlin, PA, is currently serving his second year on
the American Emu Association board of directors and was elected president of the association during their annual Board of Directors meeting in July.

Emu meat and emu oil products can be mail-ordered from individual producers or found at retail in specialty food stores, health food stores and retail establishments around Pennsylvania.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Emu Farmers Association or where to find emu products, call (814) 267-5061 or visit http://www.paemufarmers.org.

For more information about the American Emu Association (AEA) or the emu industry, visit the AEA website www.aea-emu.org or call - 541-332-0675.
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