Marketing

Ostrichs

Send e-mail Kim Decker, Marketing Specialist

Ostrich farming began in South Africa. Early demand for the bird was for its plumage. Tthat early demand fell at the onset of World War I and only began to rise again after World War II. Although there were a few ostrich farms in the U.S. around 1920, the industry as it exists today, started in the mid 1980's. The interest and number of farms has grown at a steady pace since that time. The demand for the bird at this time is for the hide and meat. Currently, all ostrich farmers across the U.S., and particularly in N.C., are making an effort to increase the number of birds.

Ostrich Links:
American Ostrich Association
North Carolina Ostrich Breeder's Home Page

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NCDA&CS Markets Division, Tom Slade, Director
Mailing Address: 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1020
Physical Address: 2 W. Edenton Street, Room 402, Raleigh NC 27601
Phone: (919) 733-7887; FAX: (919) 733-0999