Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Grants And Education To Advance Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

FNE01-399
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2001: $6,400.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $13,500.00
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Rulon Wilcox

Field Testing of Modified New Zealand Oyster Cylinders

Commodities

  • Animals: shellfish

Practices

  • Animal Production: feed/forage, feed additives, feed formulation, feed rations, mineral supplements, probiotics
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
  • Pest Management: cultural control
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, employment opportunities

Proposal summary:

The bag culture of oysters results in uneven oyster growth when some are caught in corners and grow too slowly and others grow too quickly, developing a long, thin shell that is not desired by the market. The farmer will pilot the use of a mesh cylinder developed in New Zealand that is said to even out growth and improve profitability, and will compare the traditional bag method with the cylinder method for factors like growth, survival, weight, and product quality.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.