Latest news with #LiMuEmu
CBS News
08-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
How a couple raises emus on a central Minnesota farm
They are the second largest birds in the world, and you can find them here in our state at E2's Emu Ranch in Chisago County. Beth and Eric Engstrom always knew they wanted a farm, but they never dreamed they'd fill it with non-traditional farm critters. "I've always had an extreme love for animals. I just didn't know it would go this far," said Beth Engstrom. At the center of it all are the emus. Their leader is 5-year-old Bud, and he's the official greeter. And he's always curious. Bud is one of a half-dozen flightless emus you'll find at the ranch. The birds are native to Australia, but nearly 30 years ago the Engstroms brought them to their farm near Shafer. "We went into it knowing it was going to be a long-haul type thing," said Beth Engstrom. Back then there were a lot more emu farms in Minnesota, but the market crashed, causing people here to sell off their birds. Now, supply is low, but demand is high. "The reason why they are becoming more popular, I firmly believe it's because of the TV commercial about the insurance," said Beth Engstrom, talking about the Liberty Mutual's LiMu Emu commercials. "We've got a waiting list that's two years long right now for emu chicks." Chicks are a big part of E2's Emu Ranch. The animals are mostly raised for breeding purposes. Not long after they're born, they'll be sent to a new home. Emu eggs are green to blend in with the springtime vegetation in Australia. The male that sits in the nest and takes care of the eggs and he can sit on them for up to 50 days or more. But due to cooler weather in Minnesota, the eggs get a little help. "We've got the incubators running. We've got nine eggs going," said Beth Engstroms. The Engstroms also make their own emu oil, lotion, soap, hair products and lip balm. Beth is even starting to make jewelry out of leftover emu eggshells. A full-grown emu like Bud will be about 7 feet tall, when he stands up straight. Because they're not always fans of open spaces and they love to run, the Engstroms built them long pens with tall fences. But when they want to get out, they do. "They can run 35 to 40 miles an hour, and if he really wanted to and he has, he can run fast enough to jump this fence," said Beth Engstrom. "That's why you need 6-foot fences. At least a 6-foot fence," said Eric Engstrom. The Engstroms said that when the emus escape, they always come back. Because for birds like Bud, there's no place like home. "We are living our dream. It's really fun," said Beth Engstrom. Emus have been known to live to be 40 years old and a female can lay up to 35 eggs in the spring. The Engstroms say the name E2's Emu Ranch comes from Eric Engstrom's name.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MarketCast Brand Effect Research Reveals the Most Effective Insurance Mascots in Advertising
Familiar characters from Liberty Mutual, Allstate and Progressive were standouts for their consistent brand cues, humor and likability according to MarketCast's data CULVER CITY, Calif., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketCast, a global marketing research firm, has released its latest insights into the performance of U.S. insurance brand mascots in advertising. The findings, derived from MarketCast Brand Effect platform that surveys 20,000 real audiences daily, showcase which iconic characters are breaking through and driving brand and message recall among viewers from January 2024 to February 2025. Liberty Mutual's LiMu Emu and Doug Take the Top Spot: Liberty Mutual's dynamic duo, LiMu Emu and Doug, emerged as the leading insurance mascots in Ad Breakthrough, Messaging, and Branding categories. Their consistent use of recognizable brand cues—including the bold yellow visuals, the Statue of Liberty imagery, and the catchy "Liberty, Liberty, Liberty" jingle—ensures that Liberty Mutual remains top of mind for audiences. Allstate's Mayhem Reigns in Likeability and Memorability: Allstate's Mayhem continues to captivate audiences with its signature mix of chaos and humor, ranking first in both Ad Likeability and Most Memorable Ads. The character's unpredictable storylines and rebellious personality set it apart, proving that a touch of destruction can make an ad unforgettable. Progressive's Character Lineup Delivers Strong Brand Recall: Progressive's long-standing mascot, Flo, secured a high rank in Message Recall, second only to Mayhem. Meanwhile, Jamie solidified his rising star status, tying with Flo in Ad Breakthrough but outperforming her in Branding. Dr. Rick, known for his humorous "parent-life" lessons, landed third in Likeability, though brand attribution remains a challenge for his ads. "Being fun or likable isn't enough when it comes to having truly effective advertising for these brands," said Amy Fenton, Chief Operations and Creative Officer, MarketCast. "Our research shows that the most successful insurance campaigns have strong brand identity queues with clear, memorable messaging. They strike a delicate balance—making us laugh while ensuring we remember who the ad is for and what the main message is." Top Insurance Mascot Winners by Category: Ad Breakthrough (Remember both Ad and Brand correctly): Ad Recall (Remember the Ad correctly): Branding (Attribute the Ad to the Correct Brand): Messaging (Recall the Main Message of the Ad): Likeability (Like the Ad): MarketCast's latest findings highlight the power of well-crafted branding and storytelling in insurance advertising. By leveraging familiar mascots and reinforcing brand identity through strategic cues, brands can ensure lasting audience impact. To learn more about MarketCast and its Brand Effect measurement, visit About MarketCastMarketCast is a leading marketing research firm dedicated to helping brands maximize their advertising impact and amplify brand fandom. With a powerful portfolio of advertising and brand research solutions, MarketCast helps clients find the right audiences to target, craft ad creative that resonates, and build long-term brand Fandom and customer loyalty. Headquartered in LA, MarketCast's team of researchers, product experts, and data scientists deliver game-changing insights for brands around the world. For more information visit Media ContactsGraham View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE MarketCast Sign in to access your portfolio
