Interested in Iowa Aquaculture? CSIF Offers Online ‘How-to’ Video

11-21-2014 in Aquaculture

West Des Moines, Iowa – November 21, 2014 – Iowa livestock farmers who missed the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers’ (CSIF) recent successful Iowa Aquaculture conference to learn more about fish farming can now access all of the presentations online at www.supportfarmers.com/aquaculture.

Each of the video segments feature experts from the conference who can help Iowa’s livestock farmers better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with raising fish on their farm. One of those experts is Dr. Chris Weeks, an aquaculture extension specialist with Michigan State University. In his presentation about the domestic and global aquaculture industry, he shares that in 2010, the per capita consumption of fish surpassed beef for the first time in history. “And that margin has continued to widen,” he adds.

“There are many opportunities in the Iowa livestock industry today and fish have just been added to that list,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. “The first step for farmers interested in aquaculture is determining if fish farming is the right business opportunity for their family. The resources offered in the videos will help them do just that.”

Other video segments address the technical issues farmers need to understand before jumping into the aquaculture industry, including rules and regulations that apply to siting a barn for fish, equipment and infrastructure, feed opportunities and challenges, standard operating procedures and financial feasibility. A panel of Iowa farmers also share their experiences raising fish and constructing a new fish farm. Other experts address market and industry trends for aquaculture, including a chef and distributor.

The Coalition received a record number of calls in 2014 from farmers of all ages looking for new opportunities to grow or maintain their family farm or to bring family members into the business. “The requests range from assistance in interpreting rules and regulations to siting new livestock buildings to improving neighbor relations,” Waddingham said.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers for farmers to help them raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

Assistance is provided to Iowa farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or www.supportfarmers.com.

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