American Ostrich Farms

American Ostrich Farms (AOF) is a commercial ostrich farming operation based in Kuna, Idaho. Founded by Alexander McCoy, AOF claims they practice sustainable ostrich farming, producing ostrich meat and by-products. American Ostrich Farms offers a range of ostrich products, including ostrich meat, skin care, eggshells and feathers, and pet treats. Wilkinson, F. (2023, March 28). American Ostrich Farms embracing sustainable growth. The National Provisioner.AOF raises ostriches primarily for their meat, which is known for being lean, high in protein, and low in fat and cholesterol. Medina, F. X., & Aguilar Moreno, E. (2014). Ostrich meat: nutritional, breeding, and consumption aspects. The Case of Spain. The farm advertises its commitment to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Kim, H. (2016, April 2). Ostrich could revolutionize the meat industry. But will Americans eat it? Food Tank. https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Bite/2016/0402/Ostrich-could-revolutionize-the-meat-industry.-But-will-Americans-eat-it
==History==
American Ostrich Farms was established in 2013 by Alexander McCoy, who saw the potential of ostrich farming as a meat alternative to traditional livestock farming. McCoy, with a background in investment banking, discovered ostrich meat in South Africa and decided to teach himself ostrich farming. Smith, B. A. (2016, April 4). Ostrich rancher expects to make big strides this year.
==Operations==
Located in the Snake River Plain of Idaho, American Ostrich Farms spans 120 acres of pastureland. Katafias, F. (2019, March 15). Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI). Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI). https://www.kivitv.com/news/made-in-idaho/made-in-idaho-american-ostrich-farms AOF has implemented microbial wastewater treatment systems and soil conservation projects in efforts to reduce its environmental impact.Wilkinson, F. (2023, March 24). American Ostrich Farms embracing sustainable growth. The National Provisioner. https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/114487-american-ostrich-farms-embracing-sustainable-growth The farm is 100% vertically integrated due to the on-site USDA-inspected processing facility built in part using funding from the Sun Valley Institute of Resilience's Impact Idaho Fund. Eye On Sun Valley. (n.d.). Sun Valley Institute for Resilience funds Native's Ostrich Farm. Eye on Sun Valley. https://eyeonsunvalley.com/Story_Reader/9964/Sun-Valley-Institute-for-Resilience-Funds-Native%E2%80%99s-Ostrich-Farm/ This processing facility is called Sustainable Meats. In September 2024, Sustainable Meats was named as one of 74 independent meat and poultry processing projects to receive funding through the Biden-Harris administration's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Programhttps://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program (MPPEP). AOF claims to use the grant funds to expand their processing capacity and diversify the value-added products they create including jerkies, sausages, and ready-to-eat items.
==See also==
* Ostrich farming in North America
Category:Ostrich farming
Category:2013 establishments
Category:Farms in Idaho