Simple mathematics prompted Aaron and Theresa Unrau to rethink their venture in ostrich breeding.
The Unraus became ostrich growers in 1991 when the value of breeding stock was high. But by the end of 1994, demand for breeding pairs was on the slope downward.
“By the time we raised the chicks through summer and had them ready for market, we weren’t really making anything for the time and money spent,” Theresa said.
The Unraus stopped raising breeding stock for market, but they keep 10 adult birds on their farm near Carman, Man. They’re now waiting to see whether a solid market develops for ostrich meat.
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“Right now, consumers are getting into it,” Theresa said, “but we’re not really sure if the market is there.”
A similar scenario has unfolded for many in the specialty livestock industry. However, there may be a renewed glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Efforts are under way to land a processing plant for specialty livestock such as ostriches, wild boars and elk.
Possible processor
A European investor is pondering building a plant in Manitoba and will make a decision before spring, said Melanie Rennie, a liaison between the investor and producer groups.
Although hopeful the project will go ahead, Rennie cautioned that the venture is not a done deal. The investor, whom she declined to name, wants to know more about the merits of building in Manitoba, especially the number of specialty livestock available.
“We’re going to give this guy the best pitch possible,” said Rennie, an ostrich grower from Birds Hill, Man. “The big question is whether we have the livestock.”
She withheld the investor’s name due to concerns that he will be deluged with calls from producers. She noted, however, that the company involved already has five processing plants around the globe for alternative livestock.
Information is being gathered about the advantages of building in Manitoba and the potential supply of stock.
If the decision is made to build in Manitoba, the plant could swing into production as early as next year, Rennie said.
For specialty livestock producers, one of the greatest challenges is tapping into foreign markets for their products.
Rennie sees that as one advantage of enticing a European investor into Manitoba. If built, the processing plant would meet export standards for European Union countries. Having someone from there investing in the plant could open doors to that market.
“There’s a real need for this type of thing,” Rennie said. “Multi-species plants are being talked about all across this country.”
Individual producer groups often talk about setting up their own processing plants, but finding capital and expertise can pose a challenge.
Although she doesn’t want to get producers hopes up about the processing plant, Rennie said interest is keen among producer groups. Several have committed funding to help gather information in support of the project.
The European investor has also committed money to explore whether the venture might be feasible.
“Producer groups are jumping up and down,” Rennie said.
“The enthusiasm is really encouraging.”
