1992 was the beginning of quite an adventure for Marion
and Marj Striegel. After attending numerous seminars and doing a great
deal of research, they decided to get into the EMU business. Marion had
the facilities and the livestock experience and Marj was ready for a new
challenge.
That was also the year Marion and Marj decided to marry. Two pair of Emu
breeders moved in first, then Marj in 1993, followed by the Ostrich breeders.
A number of things have evolved since that time.
Raising the birds offered some diversity which was very important during
the "farm crisis". But more than that was the personal and dollar value
of the emu and ostrich products themselves. The low fat, low cholesterol,
tasty red meat became important to Marion who was encouraged by a significant
drop in his high cholesterol readings after a short time of including
it in his diet. The properties of the emu oil became significant to Marj
who became a dealer for a company that uses the oil in body
lotions, analgesic creams, face creams, body shampoo etc.
The infertile eggs produced the first couple of years inspired another
new but related business. Beautiful engraved
eggs were admired at some of the National conventions and soon the
couple had invested in equipment and classes to be able to do the intricate
and beautiful designs on the eggs. The eggs became popular at first to
other producers, engraved with their farm or ranch names on them. They
soon became valuable as wedding and shower gifts with names and dates
on them. It didn't stop there. Although Marj does most of the engraving,
they both traveled to Las Vegas, Utah, and Wisconsin to learn to apply
the engraving skill on other mediums. Their skills now included the ability
to engrave and sand etch on glass, metal, and
wood, in addition to the eggs. They also gained the skill of electroplating
which makes it a broad ranged business.
The Striegels were active in helping to organize the Iowa Emu association
and have since then remained active in both the local and National Emu
and Ostrich Associations. Currently Marion is the President of the Board
of Directors of the Heartland
Emu Marking Coop. Marj holds the same position with the Ostrich Coop
of Iowa. Both coops were formed under the Value Added Coop legislation.
Their interest in National and State organizations fit well with that
of another interest, The Izaak Walton League of America. The league is
a National conservation league and Marion and Marj hold state and national
positions. The "birds" are so environmentally friendly, it makes a perfect
fit!
Striegel Acres is the home of L.I.F.E., which is what the couple calls
their engraving, sand-etching and electroplating business. L.I.F.E. stands
for Lasting Impressions for Everyone. This is significant because when
something is designed, especially if it is personalized with names and
dates, an heirloom is created. The Forever
Letter is a good example of that. a special message for a loved one
can be engraved in your own handwriting on a beautiful vase, hand blown
in Turkey.
Marion and Marj are optimistic about the future of these
birds. They are excited about sharing their information about the healthy
properties of the meat and oil. They are anxious to wear and display the
beautiful emu and ostrich leather products.
For more information on the value of emu and ostrich meat . . . For more information on the products available that use the valuable, naturally anti-inflammatory, deep penetrating emu oil . . . for more information about L.I.F.E. @ Striegel Acres . . . please contact us.
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URL: www.striegelacres.com
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