A journey to South Africa inspired one Idaho native to bring a unique form of meat production back to the United States— ostrich farming!
According to Alex McCoy, “I was living in South Africa working in a totally different industry and I was training for an Ironman Triathlon, and this was my training food. So, one day I was craving red meat and wanted a big piece of beef. So I went into a restaurant in South Africa and instead of beef, there was ostrich on the menu. So, I said, ‘yeah, I’ll take some ostrich’ and this huge ostrich steak, it tasted just like beef. It was amazing. Satisfied by red meat craving. However, I felt great after eating it. I felt so light. In fact, I was like, ‘you know what? I’m just going to go for a run.’ I was training for a huge race at the time. So I went out and ran sixteen miles, like within an hour of eating this massive red meat steak, and from that moment on, I was hooked.”
McCoy says that experience inspired him to learn more about ostrich meat, ultimately leading him to leave his old career behind and work towards bringing ostrich to America!
From projected drops in input costs to biofuel expansion and the USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins shared key policy priorities at Commodity Classic that put farm issues back in the spotlight.
February 27, 2026 11:32 AM
·
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.
February 27, 2026 10:55 AM
·
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.
February 27, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Through “One Farmer, One File,” USDA’s mission is to create a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer — no matter where they go in the USDA system.
February 26, 2026 05:13 PM
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
February 26, 2026 03:45 PM
·
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
February 26, 2026 02:57 PM
·