Podcast Summary: New York Farm Bureau News Bytes - Episode #4

Title: Interview with Kamara Lonergan on Exploring Emu Farming in the Hudson Valley
Host: Steve Ammerman, Director of Communications for New York Farm Bureau
Release Date: March 19, 2024

Introduction

In the fourth episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, host Steve Ammerman engages in an enlightening conversation with Kamara Lonergan, a dedicated farmer from Ulster County, New York. Kamara shares her unique journey into emu farming, the intricacies of raising these remarkable birds, and the broader implications for New York's agricultural landscape.

About Kamara and Her Farm

Location and Operations Kamara Lonergan manages Thunderhorse Hollow Farm, a 33.75-acre no-kill farm situated in Ulster Park, Hudson Valley. Established six years ago, her farm specializes in cultivating fresh herbs and flowers used in soaps and various other products. Additionally, Kamara raises emus, large flightless birds akin to ostriches, which contribute to both her meat and oil production.

Family Heritage in Farming Farming is deeply ingrained in Kamara's family history, stretching back to the late 1800s. Her great-grandfather immigrated from Lake Como, Italy, and established a diverse agricultural operation in Connecticut, raising hogs, game birds, and producing essentials like wine, cheeses, and maple syrup. Inspired by these legacy stories, Kamara revitalized the family tradition, bringing her passion for sustainable agriculture to the Hudson Valley.

“I love the land… being a good steward of the land.”
— Kamara Lonergan [05:50]

Emu Farming: An Overview

Origins and Passion Kamara's interest in emus sparked from childhood admiration, particularly influenced by the TV show "Daktari," which featured an emu. This fascination led her to pursue emu farming when the American Emu Association secured USDA recognition of emus as livestock in the 1980s.

“Emus have always been a calling for me and I relate really well to them in their space.”
— Kamara Lonergan [07:40]

Current Operations At present, Kamara maintains two female emus, Alice and Gina, anticipating growth to four as each female can lay 20 to 40 eggs per season. She emphasizes quality over quantity, highlighting that larger farms with extensive emu populations exist, but her focus remains on maintaining a manageable and sustainable operation.

“I only have two right now... four is enough because each laying season each female can lay 20 to 40 eggs.”
— Kamara Lonergan [09:01]

Benefits and Challenges of Raising Emus

Advantages

• Minimal Space Requirements: Emus do not require expansive land, making them suitable for micro-farming.
• Natural Foragers: They contribute to pest control by consuming invasive species like the spotted lanternfly.
• Efficient Waste Management: Emu manure is an excellent fertilizer with a short digestive cycle, beneficial for crops like saffron grown on Kamara's farm.

“They are very easy to clean up after because their feed does not stay in their system long.”
— Kamara Lonergan [12:03]

Challenges

• Climate Vulnerability: In regions with icy conditions, emus may suffer from traction issues, necessitating shelter solutions.
• Health and Maintenance: Emus require specific vaccinations, worming, and protection against predators, such as raccoons carrying harmful bacteria.
• Escaping Livestock: High fencing (6 feet) is essential to prevent emus from wandering into surrounding woods, where their speed and strength can cause disturbances.

“Fencing has to be 6 foot high because you don't want them to escape.”
— Kamara Lonergan [25:27]

Emu Oil and Market Opportunities

Production and Uses Emu oil, rich in omega fatty acids and similar in composition to human skin, serves as a healing and nourishing agent. Kamara utilizes emu oil in her skincare products, such as "Vampire Emu."

“Emu oil is high in all of the omega fatty acids and it is very similar to the makeup of the human skin.”
— Kamara Lonergan [17:51]

Market Growth and Certification The emu oil market faces challenges with counterfeit products. Kamara emphasizes the importance of certification through the American Emu Association's strict program to ensure product authenticity and quality.

“The American Emu association has an oil certification program and it is very strict.”
— Kamara Lonergan [20:23]

Health Trends With the rise of Alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat caused by tick bites, emu meat presents a viable alternative for affected individuals, positioning emu farming as a growing niche within New York agriculture.

“Emu meat is a red meat, but it is not the same as turkey... we need more emu farmers now in New York State.”
— Kamara Lonergan [14:44]

Support and Advocacy through Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau's Role Kamara highlights the pivotal support provided by the New York Farm Bureau, which serves as a safety net and advocacy platform for her farm. Whether facing legislative challenges or navigating state audits, Farm Bureau offers essential guidance and representation.

“Farm Bureau is like a safety net for me because I'm alone.”
— Kamara Lonergan [31:53]

Educational Initiatives As Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee for the American Emu Association, Kamara spearheads efforts to disseminate knowledge about emu farming, emphasizing the importance of education in sustaining and growing agricultural practices.

“Education to me is just paramount to keeping farming alive.”
— Kamara Lonergan [28:38]

Community Engagement Kamara serves on the Ulster County Board, advocating for minority and female farmers, and aims to foster a more inclusive and educated farming community.

Conclusion and How to Learn More

Kamara Lonergan's dedication to emu farming exemplifies innovation and sustainability within New York's agricultural sector. Her efforts not only diversify farming practices but also address emerging market needs and environmental challenges.

Contact Information:

• Website: thunderhorsehollow.com
• Facebook: Thunderhorse Hollow Farm
• American Emu Association: aea-emu.org

For those interested in exploring emu farming or learning more about Kamara's initiatives, these resources provide comprehensive information and support.

Notable Quotes:

• “Farming's all I care about except my son, my emus. But farming is my life, no matter how big the farm or how small.”
  — Kamara Lonergan [28:38]

• “The more education we get out, the more our farmers will be looking to learn about value-added products.”
  — Kamara Lonergan [26:27]

Final Thoughts

Kamara's story is a testament to passion-driven farming and the impact of supportive agricultural communities. Her innovative approach to emu farming not only enhances her farm's sustainability but also contributes to the broader agricultural narrative in New York State.

Edited by Seth Moser Katz