/24-7PressRelease/ - SAN ANGELO, TX, February 01, 2006 - The American Emu Association (AEA) recently announced that Joylene Reavis, president of the Wisconsin Emu Association (WIEA), has been appointed National Chairperson for 2006 National Emu Week (N.E.W.). The American Emu Association sponsors National Emu Week (NEW) each year to educate the public about emu agriculture and the products derived from this farm animal. During this time many emu farms will be offering tours, sponsoring contests or guest speaking. Mrs. Reavis will be working with State Coordinators across the country as they prepare for the nine-day event which runs from May 6-14, 2006.
Emus are members of the ratite family, which includes ostrich, kiwi, cassowary and rhea. Native to Australia, emu are raised in the United States for their heart healthy red meat. Important food byproducts from this bird include leather from the hide, feathers for fashion and crafts and the fat, which is turned into oil used in health and beauty products.
"There will be a lot of activities going on during National Emu Week," stated Reavis. "Many of the farmers will be sponsoring contests, guest speaking, having open house, or giving farm tours to schoolchildren, nursing home residents and the general public." Reavis went on to say that contests sponsored ranged from cooking with emu meat to egg decorating contests.
Recognized as Heart Healthy by the American Heart Association, emu meat ranked best in 15 out of 20 essential nutrients in a USDA funded study at the University of Wisconsin. "Emu is similar in taste and texture to lean beef," reports Deitra McCleery. McCleery chairs the American Emu Association Agricultural Affairs Committee. "Emu are grown in this country without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. They produce a high-protein, low-fat, nutrient-packed red meat." McCleery went on to say that emu meat is available either vacuum packed or fresh and can be mail-ordered from individual producers or found at retail in specialty food stores, health food stores and retail establishments around the country.
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.
For more information about emus and 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.
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