VSU To Host 30th Annual Aquaculture Field Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2017
Contact: Michelle Olgers, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-6964, molgers@vsu.edu
VSU To Host 30th Annual Aquaculture Field Day
The status of small-scale freshwater aquaculture in Virginia is the theme of the 30th Annual Aquaculture Field Day being held Oct. 19 beginning at 8:30 am at Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Ettrick. The Cooperative Extension Aquaculture Program at Virginia State University hosts this annual event.
Dr. Brian Nerrie, assistant professor and aquaculture extension specialist, will give this year’s keynote address. His talk will focus on how the industry has diversified since 1988 from the initial emphasis on hybrid striped bass to recent expansion into freshwater shrimp in ponds and greenhouse aquaponics.
“Today, there’s a growing awareness by consumers of quality food, and locally produced aquaculture fits in with that,” Nerrie said. “Locally produced fish is healthy, available fresh to consumers and helps local economies.”
This year’s field day will provide the opportunity for registrants to rotate between multiple stations featuring pond production of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and freshwater shrimp. In addition, pond cage culture and aeration systems will be presented. Indoor stations will include aquaponics, tilapia production, tilapia hatchery and a small aquaculture product taste testing.
Virginia State University’s Aquaculture Program conducts important research in freshwater aquaculture, provides an important resource for limited-resource farmers and helps determine what consumers want. Through its research and outreach efforts, Virginia State University’s Aquaculture Program, as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, is contributing to Virginia’s $91 billion agriculture and forestry industries.
Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch. Farm-raised catfish will be served for 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 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations no later than five days prior to the event.
Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.
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