To:  Curt Wallace, President ICAOA

From: Tripp Fezler

Date:  July 7, 1995

Ref.:  David Stocking Letter concerning Donna Fezler

I understand that David Stocking has sent out letters stating his concern with recent publicity in the Chicago Tribune and comments attributed to Donna by that newspaper.  I find myself in a position to speak in Donna’s behalf, and will present facts even though some may consider me somewhat biased.

I submit to you that petty arguments concerning what one said and did not say are not commensurate with the ideals and mission statements of either the ICAOA or the AOA.  I urge you to keep the ICAOA meeting focused on important issues, and not to entertain the motion David says he intends to propose.

One would tend to draw the conclusion that the attempt to ban a member because he doesn’t like what was said is a close parallel to banning  or burning a book because he doesn’t like what was written.

I am concerned that David did not express his concern to Donna verbally or in writing but chose to mail out letters to others.

The issue seems to be that Donna is tearing down the industry.  The opposite is true if the facts were researched.  In fact, Donna was “selectively quoted” by the Tribune reporter.  It is regrettable that this sort of thing happens, but not to confront Donna personally is not in anyone's or any group's best interest.  In fact, Donna said many fine things about the industry - none of which got printed.  Please don’t lose sight of the fact that the meat is very difficult to move.  I wonder how many in the ICAOA organization have slaughtered a bird, have tried to take the meat to restaurants for acceptance, and have Ostrich meat in your freezer - and how many times a week they eat Ostrich meat. Donna does definitely speak the truth and not the hype, and it seems that that level of integrity gets her in trouble sometimes with those that may not want things said so precisely.

By the way, I personally don’t think the article was damaging. We have sold birds after that article came out to people who had read it.  They still traveled downstate to Jacksonville to buy birds from us. 

Let me set out a few points that may clarify the situation.

·       We have been in the business since 1992 and have a lot at stake.  Tearing down one’s livelihood is not logical.

·       We were one of the founding charter members of the ICAOA in 1993 and are proud of it.  The Charter Membership certificate is made out to Grand Cypress Ranch and not to Donna Fezler.

·       We have owned 2 breeder pair of Ostrich since 1992, and also own 24 breeder pair of Rhea.

·       Donna has worked diligently with the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, Meat Inspection Division to set the slaughter protocol for all ratites.  On August 13, 1994 the first State Inspected slaughter was made in Jacksonville, Illinois.  This protocol has been adopted statewide for use in all slaughter facilities for all ratites. Meat Inspectors from around the state come to Jacksonville for training in this protocol; Donna has helped train not only the Meat Inspectors but the Supervisory Meat Inspectors as well.  The protocol was deliberately set without prejudice for any ratite, and she never was acknowledged for this front running accomplishment.

·       We regularly slaughter ratites, market meat, and in fact, are registered State Meat Brokers.

·       Donna continues to perform extensive research aimed at mechanisms causing early Ostrich and Rhea chick deaths.  Her research may very well lead to major breakthroughs in chick survivability.

·       Donna is known for her expert technical knowledge, is an enthusiastic speaker, and has been invited to speak across North America, Canada and England.

In summary, the above activity points to one who is very much concerned with keeping the industry alive and searching for ways to revitalize it.  Donna has knocked on doors, stood in supermarkets handing out meat samples, and stood for days in show booths trying to promote the industry.

It’s sad that all this comes out in a quarterly gathering.  Please use your time wisely to promote the industry and to devise new and better ways to grow the industry.

Sincerely,

Tripp Fezler