2014 Annual Report for FNC14-955
Increase Sustainability on Fish Farms with the Development of Value Added Products from Fish and Fish Waste
Summary
We had a good year meeting our goals set forth in the project. Currently we are right where the project needs to be for the next year. The open house in July was well attended. One of the better parts of project has been farm visits by grant supporters, students and other fish producers. We will have a pelletized fish feed of our own formulation ready for next year's grow out comparison, bringing this project to an end.
Objectives/Performance Targets
The objective was to find 5 species of locally grown fish/waste and produce hydrolysate from each. I attained the fish/waste from local fish farms, aquaponic grower and a hometown Ruff Fish Tournament, (Shiocton, WI). The five hydrolysate samples have been tested for FLP, amnio acids, minerals, NPK by Agriculture Omega Solutions LLC. We are currently going over results to best formulate and produce fish food pellets for next year's grow out comparison to commercial fish food.
Accomplishments/Milestones
By producing the hydrolysate I was able to fine tune a procedure for production on a scaled basis. The grinding, mixing, temperature variables for best hydrolysate production given various size production runs proved to be a challange. We also started to bottle and sell the hydrolysate for an organic fertilizer. Bringing a product to market was an eye-opening experience in marketing, regulation, labeling. One of the major accomplishments was getting OMRI LISTING. This listing tells the buyer we meet OMRIs organic requirements and standards; BLUEGILL HEAVEN LIQUID FISH GOLD can be used on organic crops.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
When something is made of local resouces it adds value to the economy and health of the commuity. The open house in July was supported by WISCONSIN AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION (WAA) and was well attended. UW Extension Agent, Jim Resick was helpful in this year's acomplishment. We are also working with a local High School on various growing projects in their AG. dept. with our hydrolysate. I became aware of the demand for non-GMO feeds. We are looking into making this part of feed formulation for next year's grow out fish food.