Raising and Marketing the Big Bird

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Ostrich meat, once served only in South Africa has long been served in restaurants in Europe, and since the advent of mad cow disease, ostrich has become a very popular alternative to beef in England. Ostrich meat has been served in restaurants in the United States since 1992.

Marketed as a healthy but satisfying alternative to beef for the health- or environment-conscious consumer, the color, flavor, and texture of ostrich meat is similar to beef's, with two-thirds less fat. The cholesterol level is similar to beef and poultry. You can buy ostrich meat for $3 a pound in supermarkets and pay up to $40 an entree in some restaurants.

The investment for successful ostrich farming can be substantial and the payoff in a changing market is not guaranteed. As the availability and price of ostrich comes down, speculators are abandoning the industry, and the AOA predicts there will be a considerable consolidation of production in the next few years as many small operators leave the industry and those remaining increase in size. Chuck Ball, executive director of the AOA, recently chastised those who promote the industry as a way to get rich quick. In the July issue of the association magazine, he writes, "Not long ago, exaggeration and hype permeated the ostrich industry as promoters oversold the advantages of investment in the fledgling business. Much of this hype was accepted as fact, and is still perpetuated by well-meaning people trying to promote the industry."

The AOA recommends people consider getting involved in ostriches as a way of diversifying their sources of income, rather than putting all their (fourpound) eggs in one basket.

If you're not ready to become an ostrich rancher, the AOA suggests you invest in several ostrich eggs, young chicks, or older birds and place them in the care of an experienced ostrich breeder-rancher.

The industry still has the potential to be volatile, but in 10 years it has gone from an oddity to a small commercial market. Will ostriches get picked up by companies like Perdue, or will they remain a small farmer's specialty?

"It's been an interesting business to be in because it's changed so much, and it's something different" Mrs. Fisher says. "Most people in the business are extroverts—they're the type who are attracted to something different."

For information about raising ostriches, or to find the ostrich association nearest you, contact the American Ostrich Association, 3950 Fossil Creek Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Worth TX 76137. Phone: (817) 232-1200.

Bicyde of the Gods

When MOTHER tried to get Swiss inventor Michael Kutter to explain how his Velocity solar electric bicycle works, his answer was: "You have to ride it."

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