1. The emu can be farmed on little land acreage required, giving
a high profit, low acre ratio. Marginal land not suited to cropping
can be utilized.
2. The emu is an excellent feed converter, with 2.5 lbs. of feed
to 1 lb. of grain.
3. Unlike other livestock, the emu is generally gentle to handle,
except during the breeding season.
4. There is a great potential for self-employment as one can
maintain a full-time job while increasing the size of the farming
operation, or it can be hobby farm for relaxation for retirees.
5. One of the most reproductive farm animals in the world, each hen
lays between 20 - 50 eggs per season, making it a very profitable
industry.
6. 10,000,000 birds are needed for the production to take over
just 1% of the United States meat consumption market, and estimates
suggest that an additional 8,000,000 will be needed to do the same in
Canada.
7. Large growth is needed if the potential commercial market is to
be reached. There will still be a breeders' market even as the
production market begins because good foundation breeding stock
will always be in demand.
8. National and international markets are being established for emu
products.
9. The emu is an insurable livestock and full mortality insurance is
available providing a no-risk investment.
10. The low fat (14% of calories from fat-comparable to chickens or
turkey) and low cholesterol red meat is in demand by health-conscious
people of the 90's.
11. The emu is generally a very health and hardy bird with few
veterinarian needs, which makes farming it easier than other livestock.