American Ostrich Association

About This Association

The Ostrich industry in the United States probably started when feathers were in demand and the first ostriches were imported from Africa in the late 1880’s. The industry rose and fell when the fashion demand for feathers waned. A brief rebirth occurred in the late 1930’s before falling once again. Almost a hundred years after the first ostrich farms appeared in America, the industry was again reborn in the very early 1980’s when an American embargo interrupted the importation of Ostrich leather and disrupted the American leather industry. As a small American flock was being grown and processed, it was discovered that Ostriches produce red meat that mimics beef, but with significantly lower fat and cholesterol. As Americans were becoming more health conscious and aware of the importance of a healthy diet, an expected demand for such a healthy meat became the driving force of the industry in addition to the leather.

Publications

Conventions

Annual

Specialties:

1. Animals - Livestock

Information Summary