AEA sponsors the annual event to raise awareness about emu agriculture and the products derived from the animal. During the event, a number of emu farms will offer tours, sponsor contests and present speeches. Mrs Reavis will work with state co-ordinators as they prepare for the nine-day event.

Unlike other forms of livestock production where the animal is sold directly to a processor, the emu industry in the USA is currently farm-to-finish With the farmer arranging the processing of livestock as well as handling sales of the Heart Healthy red meat and the food co-products. The emu also provides two forms of leather—the body hide provides thin, supple leather used in clothing, as well as accessories such as belts, wallets and other items, whilst the leg skins produce reptilian-like leather that is heavy enough for hard-wearing items such as boots.

Share this story: