Getting ready for National Emu Week 2007

(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 17, 2007 ) San Angelo, TX -- National Emu Week (NEW) is a nine-day promotional event starting on the first Saturday and running through the second Sunday in May each year. During NEW, participating emu farms and state emu associations sponsor various activities within their communities to introduce consumers to emu related products. This year National Emu Week will run from May 5 through May 13. Emus are raised in the United States for their nutrient-rich, Heart Healthy™ red meat, but the big bird also produces a number of profitable co-products. Probably the most important of these co-products is the fat. Emu fat produces an omega rich oil used by the health and beauty industry for its transdermal, cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. Other co-products produced by the emu include two types of leather. The durable body hide provides thin, supple leather used in clothing as well as fashion accessories. The thicker leg skins, or “leggings,” produce reptilian-looking leather that is sturdy enough for hard-wearing items such as boots and belts, but also creates an interesting accent on clothing and accessories. The flexible, double-plumed feathers have found niches in fashion, fishing, automotive and craft industries. Emu eggs have found a niche market in the egg art industry and are especially popular with egg carvers because there are three layers of color to work with, white, teal and dark green. Egg artists utilize these layers as they sculpt to give detail and depth to their work.According to NEW Chair Joylene Reavis of Wisconsin, there will be a lot of activities going on around the country. “Many of the farmers will be hosting open houses, guest speaking, or giving farm tours to schoolchildren, nursing home residents and the general public,” said Reavis. “Some farms are sponsoring community related events such as fundraisers or competitions.” Reavis went on to say that information on local NEW activities was available by contacting state emu association presidents. For more information about National Emu Week, emus or the products produced by this alternative agriculture, visit the American Emu Association website at http://www.aea-emu.org, call (541) 332-0675 or email info@aea-emu.org. The AEA is a national, non-profit organization that represents an alternative agricultural industry, dominated by the small farmer, who is devoted to humane and environmentally positive practices that will produce beneficial products for society.###This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com. For more information on press release distribution, go to http://www.emailwire.com.

American Emu Association
American Emu Association

pr@aea-emu.net