US (VA): Aquaponics growers overcome bears and other challenges
But, the trio of entrepreneurs has persevered to grow fresh, plump lettuce year-round in Northern Fauquier County.
Jake Hall and brothers Hank Woolman and Daniel Woolman, co-owners of Delaplane Aquaponics, have lots of patience.
In June 2015, they launched the small business that grows lettuce and other vegetables using water and fish.
Daniel Woolman came up with the idea to start the business and took aquaponics classes in California. His brother and Mr. Hall, his best friend from Fauquier High School, joined the effort.
The partners invested about $25,000 to start the part-time business, buying equipment and building a greenhouse at Briar Hill Farm, Mr. Hall’s fiancée’s family land.
Delaplane Aquaponics sells mostly Boston Bibb lettuce for $3 a head at five retail locations — Gentle Harvest in Marshall, Red Truck Bakery in Marshall and Warrenton, The Upperville Country Store and Barrel Oak Winery.
The aquaponic system uses about 5,000 gallons of recycled water, constantly flowing through a system of tanks and pipes inside the greenhouse. About 60 bluegills, koi and goldfish live in a 360-gallon food-grade tub.
They recently added an electric fence around the greenhouse to keep bears at bay.
Read more at Fauquier Now