Limited-scale aquaculture production for the local market is the theme of the 31st Annual Aquaculture Field Day being held on Wednesday, October 17. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Ettrick, Virginia.
This year’s keynote speakers are Mickey and Ann Rosenfeld, limited-scale tilapia producers from Zuni, Virginia. The Rosenfelds will speak about integrating their indoor tank fish production with other farm products they produce.
“Growing consumer demand for healthy, locally produced foods has spurred the growth of aquaculture nationwide,” said Dr. Brian Nerrie, assistant professor and aquaculture Extension specialist. “At this year’s Aquaculture Field Day, participants will gain valuable information about viable aquaculture opportunities that can be added to their existing farming operations.”
There will be many stations during the field day where attendees can learn about fish and shrimp processing; smoking; innovative cage culture; pond culture of catfish, largemouth bass and freshwater shrimp; bird control; tilapia hatchery; tilapia greenhouse culture; and aquaponics/hydroponics. There will be opportunities to taste test aquaculture products and learn about Cooperative Extension’s youth aquaculture program. The Aquaculture Field Day is also an excellent time for new and experienced growers to network.
The Aquaculture Program conducts important research in freshwater aquaculture, provides a valuable resource for limited-resource farmers and helps determine what consumers want. Through its research and outreach efforts, the Aquaculture Program, as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, is contributing to Virginia’s $91 billion agriculture and forestry industries.
Registration is $25 per person and includes lunch. To register, visit www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar, click on the event and then click on the registration link.
If you need further information or are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Debra B. Jones at dbjones@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5496 / (800) 828-1120 (TDD) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations no later than five days prior to the event.