(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 Iowa Emu Association (IEA) was represented by its president, Keith Wilson, of Toddville. According to USDA there are 59 emu farms in Iowa.
The IEA is a state affiliate of the AEA, a national emu organization that supports the emu industry by promoting public awareness of emu products. Discussions at the state presidents meeting included agriculture and legislative issues, proposed research projects and a follow-up on the events during 2008 National Emu Week (N.E.W.).
According to Wilson, emu are raised across Iowa and the United States without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. "The meat is a high-protein, low-fat, nutrient-packed red meat," states Wilson. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), he is right. USDA funded studies at the University of Wisconsin ranked emu better in 15 out of 20 nutrients than the other meats tested, including beef, turkey or elk. "Emu was lower in fat, while being higher in protein than the other meats tested," said Wilson. "It was higher in most of the vitamins and minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and vitamins B 12 and B 6."
In addition to the lean, Heart Healthy ™ red meat, emu farmers are also finding a profit in the other co-products. The omega rich 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 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 Iowa. For more information about the Iowa Emu Association or how to find emu products, call (319) 393-9031.
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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American Emu Association
American Emu Association
(541) 332-0675 pr@aea-emu.net