The demand for feathers in the fashion industry resulted in the growth in Ostrich farming in the Western Cape of South Africa, which started in the early 19th century.
Before commercial farms came into effect, ostrich’s were hunted in the wild. While this bought in an adequate quota of feathers for export, it was a time consuming process. Slowly the industry became more organized growing lucerne to feed ostriches and fencing off areas in the Karoo region of the Cape. This is also meant that feathers could be collected from the birds without having to hunt and kill them, which ultimately would have resulted in a dramatic decline in their numbers.
By 1913, ostrich feathers were reported to have been South Africa's 4th largest export. Gold, diamonds and wool were the top three industries. Ostrich farming was a lucrative venture, but it all changed mid 20th century when the demand for feathers dwindled and the market collapsed.
Despite this particular market losing favour, other uses for ostriches were discovered. Ostrich skins were marketed as a high value commodity. Ostrich meat was also marketed as biltong, and as a healthy alternative to red meat.
Today, Ostrich farming is still thriving in South Africa although the market value is not as great as it was in the days of ‘feather’ trade. Many South African’s cook ostrich meat as an alternative to beef and ostrich
biltong is also growing in popularity. Ostrich meat is lower in fat than beef so there is a healthy eating motivation behind it. To as well as the taste – but only you can decide whether it is better than other red meats.