Before the convention and for two days after, newly elected directors joined the current AEA Board of Directors in their annual board meeting.  The AEA Board of Directors for 2010/2011 clockwise from top center are:  I. Michael Eppley, Berlin, PA - president - region 1 & 2 director; Terry Turner, Livermore, CO - Region 4, 5 & 6 director; Sue Kiselicka, Medford, WI - director-at-large;  Joylene Reavis, Brodhead, WI -secretary - region 3 director;  Susan Wright, Ottawa, IL - treasurer;  Betty Lou Cauffman, Fennimore, WI - parliamentarian - director-at-large and Dee Dee Mares, Gill, MA - vice-president - director-at-large.

 

    Convention attendees were brought up to date on industry concerns, current emu oil trends and had the opportunity to participate in round table discussions.  Ample time was included to network with other emu farmers, product companies and processors from across the nation and around the world.   The 'EMU MALL', a section of the Embassy Suites Hotel open to the public, offered opportunities to browse booths showcasing emu related products such as leather, health and beauty products or egg art, while still others offered farming merchandise or information. 

 

    The focus of this year’s convention was returning to the "Nuts & Bolts of the Emu Industry".  Topics included Feed Formulation, Industry Status, Profitability, Business Opportunities, Marketing, Emu Oil Processing, Benefits of Emu Oil and the Basics of Raising & Handling Emus.

 

    The 2010 AEA Convention was very good, as always.  What a great place to meet old friends and make new ones!  The Iowa Emu Association members have proved to be wonderful hosts!

 

    To start the convention on Friday morning, Marcia & Steve Huddleston gave a presentation on feed formulation.  There was so much information to share and questions to answer that they ran out of time long before they were finished.  Maybe we can dig deeper into feed formulation next year.  In the mean time, Marcia & Steve will help any AEA member who needs to improve their feed formulation. 

   

    Matt Russell talked to us about the "Buy Local" program and the Des Moines' Farmers Markets.  On Saturday morning, some of our members were able to see what a Farmers Market that attracts 25,000 people each week, looks like.  It was quite an experience!

 

    After the Business Meeting, the Friday agenda ended with a review of the emu oil industry, how it stands today and where it is going.  The future appears to be very good for emu oil acceptance with emu meat, fertile eggs, edible eggs, blown egg shells, chicks and breeders very much in demand.

 

    The hotel's complimentary Happy Hour provided a fun atmosphere and a time for people to meet with plenty of discussion about the emu industry.  Later, some attendees walked a few blocks to the Capitol Building.  Others walked along the river to view the various gardens and foot bridges that cross the water (and to see the beautiful city skyline).  There were lights and flowers "everywhere". 

 

    And, as a treat for those who could not afford a trip to New York to see an off Broadway play, Shakespeare's "A Mid Summer's Night Dream" was performed in full costume with music and stage props, in the blocked-off street just outside our hotel.

 

    Those who wanted to spend the money could see the live production of "Jersey Boys" which was playing at the Civic Center just a few blocks from the hotel.  The "Jersey Boys" cast and crew were staying at our hotel but, were not seen.  But, a few fairies from "A Mid Summer's Night Dream" were spotted inside the hotel.

 

    Saturday was another fun and informative day.  After some members strolled through the Farmers Market, convention attendees attended an emu cooking demonstration that showed emu meat's versatility.  

 

    At the next presentation the audience listened to a nurse who works at an Iowa Cancer Center, talk about "Emu Oil and the Cancer Patient" and emu oil's place during radiation treatment.

 

    Doctor Code spoke about emu oil's unique qualities as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-aging product along with the importance of balancing Omegas 3 and 6.

 

    Jim Barr from Tennessee explained his plans for an emu processing facility and the industry's need for more emus.  To accomplish this, he hopes to be able to purchase live birds, both chicks and process birds, in the not too distant future.

 

    The last speaker was Cyril Klein who talked about handling emus with some very good input from the audience.  

 

    As the days activities wrapped up, the attendees left to get ready for the Banquet on Saturday evening where an amazing meal was served.

 

   The 2010 Banquet at the AEA Convention in Des Moines, Iowa was an opportunity for convention attendees to sample, first hand, the "high-end" versatility of emu meat.  This five course meal utilized emu meat in ALL five courses.  Some courses were served hot and others were served cold.

 

    Though these dishes are probably not a part of the average emu farmer's daily diet, the foods served Saturday night showed how emu meat CAN be served in restaurants that serve "cuisine" to people who are willing to pay for it, instead of just a meat and potatoes meal.

 

    Here was the menu that was enjoyed during the Saturday Night Banquet:

 

    Emu Carpaccio with Caper Berries, Crème Fraiche and Dijon Mustard.  (served cold)

    Barbequed Emu with Rocket Greens, Grapefruit and pomegranate Vinaigrette.  (served hot)

    Wild Mushroom and Emu Timbale, Leek Compote and Green pea Sauce.  (served cold)

    Grilled Emu and Pork Tenderloin Tornado, Cauliflower Mash, Brunoise of Summer Vegetable, Red Wine               Reduction and Chive Oil.  (served hot)

    Candied Bartlett Pear with Devonshire Clotted Cream, Camembert Cheese with Peach and Raisin Chutney,         Smoked Emu and Salted Baguette Chips.  (served cold)

    The meal was served with Water, Iced Tea and Coffee.

 

    Of course, some members loved it and other's found it "interesting".  No matter what your thoughts, it was an educational and enlightening experience.

 

    Founded in 1989, the American Emu Association is a member driven organization that represents an alternative agricultural community dominated by the small farmer.  AEA recognizes volunteers each year during the convention banquet.

 

    The “2010 Ann Olsson Leadership Recognition Award” was presented to Deitra McCleery of San Angelo, Texas.  This award is given in acknowledgement of the effort and work done by a volunteer in previous years and reads: “For Your Dedicated Service and in Recognition of Your Exceptional Accomplishments on Behalf of the Emu Industry.”  Originally titled the “American Emu Association Leadership Recognition Award,” the award was renamed in 2005 in honor of former AEA president, the late Ann Olsson of Oregon.  

 

    The “2010 Bitsy Cartwright Pioneer Award” was presented to Walter and Wanda Bishop, of Claremore, Oklahoma.   The award is given in acknowledgement of effort and work done by a couple or company in previous years to benefit the emu industry.  The plaque reads: “For Your Dedicated Service and in recognition of your exceptional accomplishments on behalf of the emu industry.” Originally titled the “American Emu Association Pioneer Award,” the award was renamed in 2004 in honor of industry pioneer, the late Bitsy Cartwright of Texas.

 

    Other volunteers were, also, recognized.  

    *  Kathy Klein of Cedar Falls, Iowa received a small trophy for the help and support she gave her husband, Cyril, who was the 2010 convention co-chair along with Dennis Anderson, Haverhill, IA

    *  Dr. Code presented Cyril with a package of Canadian Jerky for all his work in helping to further the emu oil industry.

    *  Jon Jennings, a 15 year old high school student from Milton, Wisconsin, received a trophy for being the youngest AEA member to attend this year's convention

    *   a special thanks was given to the Iowa Emu Association for organizing and hosting this year's convention.

 

    Sunday morning continued with a roundtable discussion, where the AEA members and the Board of Directors were able to talk, ask and answer questions and say their goodbyes as this year's convention came to a close.

 

    We hope to see a big crowd next year when we meet for the 2011 AEA National Convention in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Bloomington, MN on July 15-17, 2011.