The 2019 Aquaculture Conference hosted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) will provide farmers information about Iowa’s newest emerging livestock industry. 

The event, co-sponsored by Iowa State University and the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center, will be held March 22-23 at the Quality Inn & Suites in Ames from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

“Aquaculture is a way for farmers to diversify and grow, especially at a time when commodity prices are low and acquiring land can be cost prohibitive,” said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. “We are continuing to receive calls from young farmers interested in raising fish and shrimp. There are some really exciting opportunities here in Iowa, but because it’s so new, it’s important to learn as much as possible before diving in. That’s the goal of this conference.”

The event will include a wide range of important topics for farmers to consider such as the opportunities and economics of aquaculture, rules and regulations for fish farms, permits needed to buy and sell fish and shrimp, marketing, production systems, water chemistry, fish health and shrimp culture.

The CSIF Aquaculture conference includes a dynamic line-up of speakers such as Carole Engle, with Engle-Stone Aquatics LLC.; Matt Smith, Ohio State University; Brian Tapp, Iowa State University; Scott Platt, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals; Brian Waddingham, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers; and Joe Morris from Iowa State University.

Registration, including a comp­limentary lunch, is free if completed by March 15. A $20 fee will be charged for registrations after March 15. For more information and to register, visit www.supportfarmers.com/iowa-aquaculture-conference or call 800-932-2436.