Indian Point says farewell after 25 years

After 25 years of being one of Kern County's best known tourist destinations, Indian Point Ostrich Ranch will be permanently closing its doors at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. When owners Joel and Marcy Brust decided last year that they needed to retire, they began a search for someone to take over the tourist venue either at their ranch or moving it to a new location. A year of repeated attempts to find a buyer for the gift shop and tour operations were unsuccessful so, sadly, the day has finally come to say "good bye".

Joel said that their "Blue Feather" ostrich products will still be available on their website unless someone comes along with a good offer. The ranch is still one of the largest suppliers of ostrich oil in the country and the only one sourced and made in the USA. "There is always a demand for the birds," said Marcy, "we'll still raise a few chicks every year." She said that she will continue the online business.

Joel spent almost 30 years as a computer industry executive in Santa Monica, Calif. He sold his software services company in the 1980s. His work with Fortune 500 companies and military projects lead to an assignment in Washinton DC with a large computer trade association. In 1989, Joel bought the abandoned Milo Sprinkle Cattle Ranch in Cummings Valley and began to restore it during his times at home in California. Two years later he purchased an additional 20 acres that would eventually become the main production facility of the ostrich ranch, housing as many as 300 birds.

Believing that investment in the Tehachapi area was a good thing, Joel purchased a couple of failing local business, revived them and was able to sell them. The ranch house was livable by 1991 and that is when Joel and Marcy began what he has called "the best chapter of our lives." Joel joined the American Ostrich Assn. an organization in which he is still very active as its current President. He and Marcy opened Indian Point Ostrich Ranch in 1992 when the first ostrich arrived. What followed was 25 years of breeding ostriches for meat, eggs, oil, and the enjoyment of thousands of children and adults who count Indian Point Ostrich Ranch as a highlight of their lives.Many would return over and over again.Joel's work with the AOA was instrumental in getting USDA Certification for ostrich meat. He sold his ostrich meat company two years ago.

"The ostrich is built for survival from conception," said Joel. An ostrich egg is 1/8 inch thick. It has a 42 day gestation period. An air pocket within the egg, enables the baby to breathe until it is big enough to break the tough shell. Their manure dries up and blows away within hours leaving no scent for predators to follow and making pen cleaning unnecessary. That fact and their immense strength leaves them with few enemies.

The Ostrich oil is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids and is FDA compliant. If you have never tried its healing and skin softening qualities, you are in for a treat.

Over the years, Indian Point Ostrich Ranch has become a Kern County institution, hosting tourists, school field trips and groups of kids and adults alike. Joel and Marcy have loved every minute of their adventure and want everyone to know how much they have enjoyed operating the venue and all the people they have met along the way.