Ratite is newest TFB
commodity division

By Lana Robinson
Field Editor

Ostrich and Emu producers from across the state are joining forces to represent their industry in the newly-formed Ratite Commodity Division of the Texas Farm Bureau. The farm organization recently announced the establishment of the 18th commodity, ratites (Emu, Ostrich, and Rhea) division, along with the names of those who will serve on the group's advisory committee.

According to Don Petty, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, the ratite committee is comprised of two representatives each from the Ostrich community and the Emu industry, as follows: Laurie Koehl, Emu producer from Montgomery County, chairman; Edwin Cannon, Emu producer from Harris County; Haskell County Ostrich producer Larry Jeffcoat; and Bud Aldredge, Jr., DVM of Nolan County, Ostrich producer.

"We welcome the new commodity group and the producers it represents, as well those who have been asked to serve on the Ratite Advisory Committee," said Petty.

Edwin Cannon of Waller submitted a resolution to form a ratite commodity group at the Harris County Farm Bureau convention in 1999, and it was approved within that county. Afterwards, he and other ratite producers worked with Petty and TFB Commodity and Regulatory Activities Director Ned Meister to help promote the idea within the state organization.

"Our advisory committee chairman, Laurie Koehle, who is also president of the Texas Emu Association, worked with several TFB district leaders and field reps to really promote and establish this commodity group. We also worked really hard and spent a lot of hours promoting Farm Bureau to Emu producers and Ostrich producers in the state. Farm Bureau set up some of those meetings for us in 1998, and we went from there," said Cannon.

The exact number of Ratite producers in the Lone Star State and in the Texas Farm Bureau membership is an unknown quantity for now, but with the release of the 2000 U.S. Agriculture Census, that number should be more clear. But if he were guessing, Cannon, who is also vice president of the Texas Emu Association, believes there are at least a thousand Emu producers in Texas, and he knows of some 34 local-level Emu groups.

"I guess what we're wanting is some direction from Farm Bureau. The organization has a lot of talent and experience to draw on that we don't have as individual producers and as a small group. We really look to educate the public and a lot of students about Ratites. Some of our field service reps have been helpful and cooperative. And then we are also looking at different promotion and marketing ideas. We want to have Bryce Myrick (TFB's director of Agricultural Marketing Education) talk to our group to help us on that. We would also like to have a little space in `Planet Agriculture.' We also want to promote a `Ratite Awareness Week' April 7-15 in Texas. That way we can promote Emus and Ostriches through different field days, to coordinate a movement nationally," said Cannon.

Cannon said the industry has made some important legislative strides already, with a new federal law that will be effective next April grouping ratites along with poultry under mandatory USDA inspections.

Sweetwater veterinarian Bud Aldredge, Jr., who was also tapped for the committee, said, "Our charge, as I understand it, is to advise the Texas Farm Bureau board of directors about policy towards this commodity. I have been in the Ostrich business since 1989 and was an Emu producer prior to that. I feel I have something to bring to this committee."

Aldredge has a conservative viewpoint regarding the commodity, suggesting that establishing commercial markets for existing product is needed to ensure profitability and growth in this niche industry.

Beyond the breeders market, Ostrich is valued for its meat, hide, and feathers while Emu end uses are primarily oil, feathers, meat, and fat.

TFB's Petty feels good about the mix of producers on the new Ratite Advisory Committee.

"I look forward to working with this newly-recognized commodity group to assist in any way I can," said Petty.