EMU-FARMING IN SOUTH-AFRICA
 Emus are native to Australia and are the second largest members of the flightless bird family called ratites (pronounced ra-tight). There are several other members of the family of ratites. The largest ratite is the ostrich, which are native to Africa and has large wings. The rhea is native tot South America, have large wings, but is smaller than the emu. Native to New Guinea and some parts of Australia is the ornately plumed Cassowary. The smallest of the living ratites is the kiwi, which is native to New Zealand.
Emu farming in South Africa began in 1994 with the importation of two lots of birds by two people – Alec Rough and Tony LeRoy. Both imported from Europe. Since that time, the population of these ratites has grown to about 3000.
Any stock/feedlot producing industry starts with a breeding phase where the breeding population has to grow to a size to produce enough offspring for slaughter. The next phase is the slaughter or production phase.
South Africa is still in the in the breeding phase or live market phase where most commercial emu farmers make their money from selling live birds – either day old chicks, 3 month old birds, first year breeders (aged 2 years) or proven breeders. The price of the bird is obviously determined by its age.
It is estimated that the transition from a live market to a slaughter market will occur in this industry within the next one or two years.
The largest emu population is currently in the USA – even though the emu is indigenous to Australia. There are many emu farmers there and they cannot produce enough oil for their own market.
The SA Emu Association was formed in 2002 and currently has 30 members – all commercial emu farmers. Those interested can phone Susan Engelbrecht at 083 235 0219.
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