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August 25, 2003

Indiana Aquaculture Association plans fall meeting

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Something smells fishy at Robert Lyons' farm in Brook, Ind., but it's not anything out of the ordinary. In fact, Lyons is happy about that smell – it means the bluegill and bass he raises on his farm are doing well.

Lyons, who is president of the Indiana Aquaculture Association, will talk about his experiences in aquaculture on Sept. 27 at the Purdue University Cooperative Extension office in Marion County during the Indiana Aquaculture Association's fall meeting. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lyons is one of a growing number of Hoosiers turning to aquaculture to make a living. He got into the business because he purchased a pond and wanted to make it pay for itself, but there are other reasons, too.

"It's an interesting line of work," he said. "It's not something everybody does every day."

Charles Felkner, a Purdue Extension aquaculture specialist, said association membership is not required to attend the fall meeting.

"Whether you're a seasoned fish farmer or just thinking about getting started in aquaculture, you'll appreciate this conference," he said. "Presentations will address concerns such as species selection, production facilities and marketing. In addition, a panel of experts will answer questions and provide insights that should interest all levels of producers."

Workshop sessions will cover topics such as which species work best for pond production, whether barn conversions pay off, marketing new ventures, agritourism and increasing customer appeal. In addition to the workshop, the Indiana Aquaculture Association business meeting is slated for 3 p.m. Non-members are not required to attend the business meeting.

A $10 advance registration fee is due by Sept. 22 to Felkner at the Purdue Extension office in Morgan County, 180 S. Main St., Suite 229, Martinsville IN 46151. Registration includes a box lunch. Alternate registration fees of $30 and $45 include memberships, respectively, in the state or state and national aquaculture associations. Checks should be made payable to the Indiana Aquaculture Association. For further information, contact Felkner at (765) 412-2134.

The Purdue Extension office in Marion County is located at 6640 Intech Blvd., Suite 120, near the intersection of 71st Street and I-465.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Sources: Charles Felkner, (765) 342-1010, cfelkner@purdue.edu

Robert Lyons, (219) 275-4775

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/

Related Web site:
Aquaculture Network Information Center


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