Kuna's American Ostrich Farms brings lesser-known protein to the table

Alex McCoy needed a cheat day, writes Idaho Press reporter Erin Banks Rusby. During his training for the Ironman Triathlon, McCoy had avoided red meat and alcohol. But when cheat day cravings rolled in, he found himself with the opportunity to eat ostrich meat, a red meat with consistency similar to grass-fed beef.

McCoy expected to want to take a nap following his meal. Instead, he felt light and energized. After letting his food digest, he ran 16 miles.

The experience marked the beginning of a career shift for the then-banking employee and a fascination with a flightless bird not common on menus anywhere in the world, McCoy said.

“I’m a very curious person,” McCoy said. “I needed to learn everything there is to learn about this.”

McCoy left the banking world and founded American Ostrich Farms in 2014. Located in Ada County off of Pleasant Valley Road, the farm is the temporary home for over 1,000 birds. You can read Rusby's full story at idahopress.com (subscription required).

This article was originally published by Idaho Press.

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