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Did you know that Canadian farmers and ranchers protect native grasslands through raising cattle? In this article, conservationists help to shine light on the immense benefits of raising beef cattle in Canada: https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/industry/a-fresh-understanding-of-the-benefits-of-raising-cattle-in-canada/

Turkeys are notorious for dying quickly, but there are tricks to the trade that keep them happy, healthy, and upright. Turkey poults (chicks) are particularly fragile and sensitive to change. They are not the most intelligent things out there either, though some heritage breeds contradict that. So, to beat them at their own game, here are a few tips to put into practice. Read the full article HERE.

Yellow Brick Road Farm, located in Stoney Island, Nova Scotia, raises turkeys for meat every year. If you are interested in raising these birds as well, make sure to check out this detailed account of their personal experience for many helpful tips HERE.

Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) is a national organization representing Canada’s 510+ turkey farmers. Created in 1974 under the federal Farm Products Agencies Act, the Agency encourages cooperation throughout the Canadian turkey industry, promotes the consumption of turkey meat, and oversees the supply management system for turkey in Canada. Learn more HERE.

Raising quail, argues this backyard farmer, is similar to caring for mini chickens since they have the same basic needs of fresh water, feed, and predator-proof housing, but much easier because of their small size. Learn more this farmer's personal experience of raising quail in their backyard HERE.

Jenna Greene's priority is to be self-sufficient and provide a safe and healthy environment for her family. In order to achieve this goal, together with her family, she has established a quail farm business. The Greene family's philosophy is the more they help others start their self-sufficient adventure, the more they can grow in theirs. Myshire Farm's mission is to educate, encourage, and enthuse people about the benefits of raising Coturnix quail so we can all have a better tomorrow. Learn more about it HERE.

Quail are a small bird which are becoming more and more popular as an option for a backyard flock. They produce delicious and nutritious eggs as well as tasty meat. Their small size, quiet nature, and adaptability makes them ideal for almost any environment. If you’re considering raising birds in your backyard, on your homestead, or even on your patio, quail may just be the right option for you! Read more HERE.

What would you do if, after thirty years of raising and caring for animals on your farm, the government suddenly showed up and ordered you to slaughter them? This is the heartbreaking reality for the farmers of Universal Ostrich Farms, located in the remote town of Edgewood, British Columbia. For over three decades, Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski have devoted their lives to raising up to 500 ostriches on their farm, which is known for its groundbreaking research on the robust immune systems of these remarkable creatures. Learn more about their story HERE.

Ostriches have been grown commercially in South Africa since the 19th century. At this time, they were raised principally for their feathers which were much prized in the fashion industry. As fashions changed around 1914, the industry collapsed and only started up again in the 1970s with hides as the major product. In South Africa, ostrich hides are still the major product. Domestic production of ostrich in countries other than South Africa started in the 1970s, together with emu and to a lesser extent rhea. It was quickly realized that the birds are extremely hardy, will flourish in a variety of climates and do not require large tracts of land. Production spread quickly, and today emu and ostrich are raised in many countries including the USA, Australia, Israel, France, New Zealand, China, Korea, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Poland and Canada. Most producers today (with the exception of those in South Africa) are growing ostrich, emu and rhea for their meat, with the hides, feathers, fat, egg shells, and other parts of the birds as by-products. Growth in any new industry starts with building breeding stock. Because it is a new industry there is a shortage of birds and high prices can be demanded for good stock. At this stage, millions of dollars can be made, and have been made, by buying and selling breeding stock in the form of hatching eggs, chicks, yearlings and proven breeders. As more and more people get into production, breeding supplies become plentiful and prices drop. In order to embark on commercial production, bird numbers have to be increased to a level where there are sufficient birds so that some can be taken out of breeding and slaughtered for meat. Once this level has been reached, it has to be maintained so that consistent supplies of meat can be generated. Many countries in the world are moving simultaneously towards this point, but before a consumer demand for the meat and other products has been created. Read the full report HERE.

After crossing the Arrow Lakes on the Needles ferry in British Columbia’s West Kootenays, an observant motorist heading west towards Lumby and Vernon might spy a flock of large, long necked birds running energetically around a trim, neatly fenced pasture. Our motorist might think she has just seen a movie set for a sequel to Jurassic Park when in fact she has come across the site of Universal Ostrich Farms, home to approximately 500 ostriches, Canada’s largest flock. Universal is the pride of business partners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, two pioneering ostrich farmers. Dave shifted from raising cattle to the ostrich business in the early 1990s. Back then, Dave busily imported birds from Africa, mostly from Zimbabwe. He carefully selected breeding stock and established quarantine facilities in Zimbabwe, Namibia and England to enable the air transport of the birds to Canada. Read the full article HERE.

Caleb and Brittany Denouden, born and raised in small towns in Ontario, were first introduced to ostrich farming while they were volunteering in South Africa. After they got to experience riding ostriches, standing on an ostrich egg, and eating some ostrich steaks, the couple came back to Canada inspired to start their own ostrich farm. Learn more about their story and ostrich farm HERE.

A few years ago, Alexandra Douglas has embarked on a journey of raising emus. The emu is the largest native bird in Australia, which is the home to three species of emus. They are the second largest extant bird to that of their relative, the Ostrich. While one of the main reasons Alexandra wanted an emu was because they are large and cool, yes, it was also because they are a lean meat source. However, what Alexandra did not know is that emus make good pets as well. HERE is Alexandra's story.