Local Farmer represents Tennessee Emu Association at national meeting
Emu Association Presidents Meet in Harrisburg
(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 01, 2008 ) Harrisburg, PA - Along with current American Emu Association (AEA) Board of Directors, State Affiliate presidents met on July 17, 2008 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for their annual pre-convention meeting. The Tennessee Emu Association (MNEA) was represented by board member Allen Charleston of Trezevant. According to USDA there are over a hundred emu farms scattered across the state. TNEA is a state affiliate of the AEA, a national emu organization that supports the emu industry by promoting research and public awareness of emu products.
Discussions at the convention included agriculture and legislative issues, proposed research projects and the rising costs of fuel and feed. “Anything that affects our bottom line is of interest,” stated Charleston. Charleston taught one of six Accredited Emu Producer Classes at the convention.
Emu are raised across the United States for their lean red meat. Farmers are also finding a profit in the other co-products. The fat is turned into health and beauty products, the feathers and hide are used in the fashion industry, while the large green eggs are sought after by egg artists and crafters.
"Emu are grown in this country without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. They produce a high-protein, low-fat, nutrient-packed red meat," reports Joylene Reavis, AEA Agricultural Affairs Chair. "The meat is similar in taste and texture to lean beef." Reavis went on to say, "Emu meat is available either vacuum packed frozen or fresh." 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 the country. The AEA office receives calls periodically from consumers looking for the lean red meat or emu oil products. "We either provide them with a list of companies that can handle their request, or provide their contact information to the companies," said Reavis.
For more information about the Tennessee Emu Association, call (731)669-3226 or visit http://www.tn-emu.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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Discussions at the convention included agriculture and legislative issues, proposed research projects and the rising costs of fuel and feed. “Anything that affects our bottom line is of interest,” stated Charleston. Charleston taught one of six Accredited Emu Producer Classes at the convention.
Emu are raised across the United States for their lean red meat. Farmers are also finding a profit in the other co-products. The fat is turned into health and beauty products, the feathers and hide are used in the fashion industry, while the large green eggs are sought after by egg artists and crafters.
"Emu are grown in this country without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. They produce a high-protein, low-fat, nutrient-packed red meat," reports Joylene Reavis, AEA Agricultural Affairs Chair. "The meat is similar in taste and texture to lean beef." Reavis went on to say, "Emu meat is available either vacuum packed frozen or fresh." 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 the country. The AEA office receives calls periodically from consumers looking for the lean red meat or emu oil products. "We either provide them with a list of companies that can handle their request, or provide their contact information to the companies," said Reavis.
For more information about the Tennessee Emu Association, call (731)669-3226 or visit http://www.tn-emu.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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