Visitors to the AgWorld display at the Du Quoin State Fair have the opportuntity to observe what may very well be on many American dinner plates and bodies within the next generation.

Steve Haggins, president of the Illinois Emu Association, said the rapid acceptance of the emu bird as a meat substitute would preserve masses of land because the emu can be kept in cages, while cattle require large amounts of space.

Haggins said emu meat, which tastes like beef, is 93 percent fat free and is gaining acceptance in gourmet restaurants. It is higher in protein and lower in cholesterol than beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. But it is the layer of fat on the back of the emu bird that is attracting attention.

Advertisement

Sue Heinrich, a representative for Emu Products, said the fatty layer produces an unsaturated hypo-allergenic oil used for commercial healing products.

Seventy five to 80 percent of athletic trainers use this oil on their teammates after games, she said. It helps relieve aches and pains.

For centuries, Aborigine tribes in Australia have used emu oil to relieve painful joints, cuts, burns and insect bites. It is an all-natural product used in Aboriginal medical practices and has no known side-effects, Heinrich said.

Steve Haggins, president of the Illinois Emu Association, said the oil naturally contains linolenic acid, a substance known to relieve arthritic pain.

Heinrich said the emu, native to Australia, is the world’s second largest flightless bird. It is a member of the ratite family, along with the ostrich and kiwi, and has existed over 80 million years. The birds grow to be about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh between 100 and150 pounds. Because of its ability to adapt to climates, this desert bird can survive in any weather in the Midwest, Canada or south Florida.

The Illinois Emu Association, formed in November 1992 in Marion, is holding a free workshop at Gulledge Farms in Creal Springs on September 9th. Those interested in the emu bird at all stages from incubation to adulthood can contact Bob and Kathleen Gulledge at 618-993-5053.

One unrelated pair of emu birds will be raffled off on Sept. 9th at the DuQuoin State Fair. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the emu booth inside AgWorld.

Advertisement*