Jump to content

Draft:American Ostrich Farms

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ostrich standing at American Ostrich Farms
Ostrich standing at American Ostrich Farms

American Ostrich Farms (AOF) is a commercial ostrich farming operation based in Kuna, Idaho. Founded by Alexander McCoy, AOF has become a pioneer in what they claim as sustainable ostrich farming practices, producing high-quality meat and by-products. American Ostrich Farms offers a range of ostrich products, including ostrich meat, skin care, eggshells and feathers, and pet treats.[1] The farm advertises its commitment to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.[2]

History

[edit]

American Ostrich Farms was established in 2013 by Alexander McCoy, who saw the potential of ostrich farming as a sustainable and healthy alternative to traditional livestock farming. McCoy, with a background in investment banking, first discovered ostrich meat in South Africa and decided to teach himself ostrich farming after learning about its health benefits.[3] He aimed to create a farm that prioritized ethical treatment of animals and environmentally friendly practices.

Operations

[edit]

Located in the Snake River Plain of Idaho, American Ostrich Farms spans 120 acres of pastureland.[4] AOF's practices minimize water usage and reduce the carbon footprint associated with meat production. AOF has implemented microbial wastewater treatment systems and soil conservation projects to further reduce its environmental impact.[5] The farm is also 100% vertically integrated due to the on-site USDA-inspected processing facility built in part using funding from the Sun Valley Institute of Resilience's Impact Idaho Fund.[6] This processing facility is called Sustainable Meats. In September 2024, Sustainable Meats was named as one of 74 independent meat and poultry processing projects to receive funding through the Biden-Harris administration's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program[7] (MPPEP).[8] Grant funds will be used to expand their processing capacity and will diversify the value-added products they create including jerkies, sausages, and ready-to-eat items.[9]

AOF raises ostriches primarily for their meat, which is known for being lean, high in protein, and low in fat and cholesterol.[10] The farm also sells the feathers, eggshells, and oil as decor and skin care.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Wilkinson, F. (2023, March 28). American Ostrich Farms embracing sustainable growth. The National Provisioner.
  2. ^ Kim, H. (2016, April 2). Ostrich could revolutionize the meat industry. But will Americans eat it? Food Tank. https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Bite/2016/0402/Ostrich-could-revolutionize-the-meat-industry.-But-will-Americans-eat-it
  3. ^ Smith, B. A. (2016, April 4). Ostrich rancher expects to make big strides this year.
  4. ^ Katafias, F. (2019, March 15). Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI). Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI). https://www.kivitv.com/news/made-in-idaho/made-in-idaho-american-ostrich-farms
  5. ^ Wilkinson, F. (2023, March 24). American Ostrich Farms embracing sustainable growth. The National Provisioner. https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/114487-american-ostrich-farms-embracing-sustainable-growth
  6. ^ Eye On Sun Valley. (n.d.). Sun Valley Institute for Resilience funds Native's Ostrich Farm. Eye on Sun Valley. https://eyeonsunvalley.com/Story_Reader/9964/Sun-Valley-Institute-for-Resilience-Funds-Native%E2%80%99s-Ostrich-Farm/
  7. ^ https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program
  8. ^ "Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Awards through Landmark Meat and Poultry Processing Investment | USDA". www.usda.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
  9. ^ "USDA Rural Development FY 2024 Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program Recipients" (PDF). United States Department of Agriculture. September 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Medina, F. X., & Aguilar Moreno, E. (2014). Ostrich meat: nutritional, breeding, and consumption aspects. The Case of Spain.
[edit]