As we look back on an incredible 2024, American Ostrich Farms (AOF) is excited to share the highlights, milestones, and accomplishments that made this year truly remarkable. From unforgettable events and meaningful collaborations to impactful community contributions and exciting new developments, we’ve had a banner year. Here’s a closer look at what we achieved together.
EVENTS
This year, American Ostrich Farms (AOF) proudly participated in several events, showcasing the versatility and sustainability of ostrich meat and products, and emphasizing our deep commitment to innovative and responsible farming.
At the Boulder Mountain Tour in Sun Valley, we engaged with the vibrant community, offering ostrich meatball sub sandwiches at the finish line to fuel athletes. This iconic winter event was a prime opportunity to connect with health-conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts, aligning perfectly with our focus on nutritious and sustainable meat.
During the FARE (Food Agriculture Restaurants Beverage Establishments) Field to Fork Festival, we celebrated local food systems and educated attendees about our mission to provide sustainable meat options. This festival allowed us to reach a broader audience of Idaho-based food industry professionals ranging from other ranchers, to chefs, grocers, and agri-artisans.
At the Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, we conducted reconnaissance on best practices within the specialty food industry, especially related to consumer packaged goods. This platform allowed us to observe and analyze successful strategies employed by leaders in alternative and sustainable products. The insights gained from this exposure are invaluable as we prepare to launch our upcoming value-added ostrich products, ensuring we align with industry standards and consumer expectations to effectively position American Ostrich Farms as a pioneer in the market.
Locally, at the Boise Farmers Market, we continued our commitment to our community by connecting directly with customers and offering a convenient free pick-up option for our products, reinforcing our role as a staple in the local food landscape.
The Mountain Meat Summit in Montana provided a chance to collaborate with a diverse group of agricultural stakeholders. We discussed challenges and opportunities in sustainable meat production, exploring innovative solutions and fostering new partnerships.
At the Ultrasource Academy in Missouri, select members of our processing team underwent advanced training in value-added meat product fabrication. This not only equipped us with cutting-edge skills, but deepened our knowledge of the latest equipment, best practices, and innovations in meat science. We have already put this training to work selecting the most appropriate value-added product processing equipment we have ordered using funds from one of the two USDA grants we won last year.
Finally, at the American Ostrich Association Conference in Arizona, our Founder and CEO, Alex McCoy, advocated for a paradigm shift within the industry. McCoy presented on the social and economic value of prioritizing and encouraging natural behaviors as a cornerstone in ostrich production. He proposed that the AOA take the lead in establishing a flexible welfare model by defining overarching wellness goals. This approach empowers farms to design methods tailored to their unique environments, resources, and expertise, ensuring feasibility and practicality for all farms.
COLLABORATIONS
This year at American Ostrich Farms, partnerships were pivotal to our success, allowing us to collaborate with companies and organizations that share our commitment to sustainability and high-quality products.
One of the highlights was our involvement at the Heritage Fire Tour in Tampa, a premier live-fire culinary event where we supplied sustainable Idaho-raised meats to one of the top competitors. This event allowed us to engage with culinary enthusiasts who appreciate the quality and ecological practices behind their food sources.
At GST Body’s Wellness Retreat, attendees were introduced to our high-quality ostrich oil skin care products. This collaboration highlighted that ostrich-based products can contribute to a holistic approach to health, both inside and out. This led GST Body’s founder to explore how to leverage the unique properties of our ostrich oil in their own product line, which will be forthcoming in 2025.
Our collaboration with FARE (Food. Agriculture. Restaurants. Beverage Establishments.) Idaho was instrumental in creating impactful marketing collateral that emphasizes the importance of sustainable eating. This partnership helped to broaden our outreach and educate more consumers on the benefits of integrating ostrich meat into their diets.
During the holiday season, our ostrich oil lip balm was featured in the Idaho Preferred Holiday Artisan Gift Box. This curated collection of local goods not only showcased the diversity of Idaho agriculture but also supported the community by promoting local products, each purchase making a meaningful impact.
Moreover, our partnership with Popsie Fish Co. introduced ostrich meat in their exclusive Surf & Turf Gift Boxes. Aligning with another Idaho-based company that prioritizes sustainable practices, Popsie Fish Co. sources all their fish directly from Alaska, providing the perfect pairing opportunity that underscored our shared commitment to sustainable protein sources.
These collaborations have not only reinforced our mission and values but have also allowed us to explore new markets and connect with like-minded businesses, fostering a network that supports sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
At American Ostrich Farms, giving back to the Idaho community remains a cornerstone of our values. This year, we were privileged to contribute to several causes that align with our mission to support sustainable agriculture and education within our region.
One of the key initiatives we supported was The Elevated Table, a significant fundraiser organized by the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience (SVIR). We donated a variety of our products to this event, whose mission is to advance community resilience in Idaho by educating, investing, and collaborating to ensure that the economy, environment, and people thrive. As a beneficiary of a below-market-rate loan from SVIR’s Impact Idaho Fund, this contribution was a fulfilling way to give back to an organization that supports small family farms and promotes resilience in one of the many communities we serve.
At the Harvest Moon Dinner in Boise ID, hosted by the Boise Farmers Market, we contributed to the local celebration of agriculture by donating an exclusive agri-tourism experience for the dinner's Silent Auction. This package included a guided tour of our ranch, designed to enhance understanding of local farming practices and deepen connections between consumers and the origins of their food.
We also provided significant support to the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) for their premier annual fundraiser, the SVSEF Wild Game Dinner, donating our best cuts of ostrich meat for this special culinary event. Chefs Britt Rescigno and Kinsey Leodler-Rescigno, founders of Fiamma, specifically requested ostrich meat. Britt is a seasoned Food Network competitor and won Chopped (2019), “Beat Bobby Flay” (2019), and reached the final four of Tournament of Champions Seasons 4 and 5. It was an honor for our ostrich meats to headline this culinary event, providing a unique and sustainable dining option for guests that helped advance the non-profit foundation's mission to support youth education, recreation, and health. For 58 years, the SVSEF has been committed to offering world-class snowsport programs, cultivating sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork among participants. It was truly an honor to support an event that has such a profound impact on the lives of many young athletes. Founded and headquartered in the great state of Idaho, giving back to the communities where our team works and lives will always be a priority at AOF. This year, we increased our contributions to several important causes and are grateful for the opportunity to make such a positive impact in our communities.
GRANTS AWARDED
This year, American Ostrich Farms made significant strides in our mission to bring ostrich meat to every table, with a particular focus on funding innovation and growth through competitive external funding sources. We were honored to win competitive grants that have empowered us to expand our operations and lead the way for our broader agricultural community.
The first grant we won in 2024 was a $255,000 grant from the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), sponsored by USDA Rural Development. This funding was directed to our affiliate, Sustainable Meats (SM), to significantly expand our USDA-inspected, value-added processing capacity. This grant enabled us to double our processing capabilities, construct additional cold storage facilities, and enhance our value-added product manufacturing. These advancements are pivotal in supporting not only AOF’s ambitious growth objectives, but also numerous independent livestock producers throughout the Mountain West region, reinforcing our commitment to supporting our fellow livestock producers, no matter what species they choose to raise and harvest.
Additionally, Sustainable Meats received a $10,000 Workforce Development Grant from SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), aimed at enhancing training and skills development in sustainable agriculture. Jessica Jimenez, the Plant Manager at SM, highlighted the importance of this grant, stating, "This is a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional processing services while supporting the growth and resilience of local meat producers." This funding is critical in helping us elevate our team's expertise and capabilities, ensuring that we continue to meet the high standards of quality and sustainability that our customers expect.
These grants are not just financial boosts but are affirmations of our strategic direction and efforts in building a market for ostrich meat and other sustainably-raised livestock. They enable us to innovate, grow, and continue our commitment to bringing high-quality meat products to tables across the country.
NOTABLE GUESTS
We had the privilege of hosting a few notable guests who share our dedication to sustainable and innovative agriculture, further enriching our connections within the industry and community.
We were honored to welcome Todd Snodderly and Parker Harrell, regional directors for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo. During their visit, they toured our ranch and our USDA-inspected processing plant. This tour provided an excellent opportunity to discuss our innovative approach to ostrich farming and how our facilities support local farms. Additionally, we engaged in valuable conversations about current agricultural initiatives and policy discussions happening in Washington D.C., which offered insights that could influence our strategic planning and community engagements.
Another highlight was hosting Tanice and Paul Myers, along with their family, known as the ‘Road Warrior Investors,’ who visited our ranch as part of the Harvest Moon Dinner Silent Auction agri-experience. Accompanied by our Marketing Manager, Jess Roth, they toured the ranch and captured footage for their growing YouTube channel. This visit not only allowed them to experience our operation firsthand but also helped to broadcast the story of sustainable ostrich farming to a broader audience.
These visits were not just about showcasing our operations but also about creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and sharing ideas that reinforce the importance of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
At American Ostrich Farms, innovation is one of our core values, and 2024 was a banner year for new products and advancements. We continually strive to expand our offerings and improve our customer interactions, ensuring that our commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations.
This year, we launched our redesigned website, a user-friendly platform that provides a seamless experience for both learning about and purchasing our products. From the initial concept to the final execution, every step was designed to reflect our brand identity and dedication to exceptional service. With enhanced visual product information, we are now better equipped to educate and empower our consumers, providing them with the insights they need to make informed choices.
In our skincare line, we introduced the Green Tea Ostrich Oil, an antioxidant-rich product that expands our offerings with a focus on health and wellness benefits. This addition showcases our commitment to leveraging natural properties to deliver high-quality, sustainable skincare solutions.
For our food products, we launched the 'Black Label' Ground Ostrich Filet, a premium addition that caters to gourmet tastes and offers a luxurious dining experience. This product underscores our commitment to providing unique, high-quality options for discerning consumers.
Additionally, we rolled out new curated collections such as Feathered Feast, Ranch Hero, and Raw Ostrich Goodie Boxes. These boxes are designed to delight every customer, from culinary enthusiasts seeking variety and quality to pet owners looking for nutrient-dense, all-natural options perfect for pets with picky palates or sensitive stomachs. Our Raw Goodie Box, in particular, caters to pets accustomed to a raw diet, emphasizing our holistic approach to health and wellness.
These innovations and new products in 2024 are a testament to our ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of what we offer. Each new development reflects our deep commitment to enhancing consumer and pet health.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we close out 2024, we are filled with gratitude for our customers, partners, and team members who made this year possible. With exciting plans for 2025 already underway, we’re looking forward to continuing to lead the way in sustainable agriculture and high-quality ostrich products. Thank you for being part of our journey and keep your eye out for new products in the new year!
