Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University has scheduled its annual three-day Fish School featuring “hands-on practical aquaculture” for anyone interested in producing fish in ponds, cages and greenhouses. Free and open to the public, the Fish School will be held at 8:30 a.m. daily beginning Wednesday, July 8 through Friday, July 10 at VSU’s Cooperative Extension Pavilion located on River Road, Ettrick. Interested participants can register for the entire session or for individual days. Anyone desiring to engage in hands-on pond, laboratory or greenhouse activities is encouraged to dress appropriately. The agenda follows: Wednesday, July 8 Topics include catfish hatchery, fingerling, food fish, and freshwater shrimp production; and pond and cage culture. Afternoon hands-on activities will include harvesting large catfish ponds and restocking various age groups. Thursday, July 9 Discussions will focus on nutrition, water quality, processing, pond management, weed control, and fish health/biosecurity. Hands-on lab activities will feature water quality management and fish processing. Fri., July 10 Participants will learn about VSU’s Youth Aquaculture Program, Aquaculture Community and Home-based System Development, hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse production systems, and aquacultural economics. High tunnels, greenhouse hydroponics and greenhouse limited-scale recirculation systems will be the focus of hands-on activities. To register, call VSU’s Aquaculture Office at (804) 524-5496 or e-mail Dr. Brian Nerrie, VSU aquaculture extension specialist, at bnerrie@vsu.edu. Anyone needing special services or accommodations in order to participate should call in advance to discuss arrangements. July 11-12, 2009 July 28 – August 1, 2008 Thursday, August 28, 2008 July 9, 2008 July 9-11, 2008 Agenda: Thursday, July 10th: Discussions will focus on nutrition, water quality, processing, pond management, weed control, and fish health/biosecurity. Hands-on lab activities will feature water quality, fish health and anatomy. Anyone needing special services or accommodations in order to participate should call in advance to discuss arrangements.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
September 17-20, 2009
IN-DEPTH AQUAPONICS & CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE
Montello, Wisconsin
This is a 3-1/2 day in-depth workshop on aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture. Morning classroom sessions are followed by hands-on learning in an aquaponic greenhouse. Information: www.aquaponics.com/infoCourses.htm, Nelson and Pade, Inc., (608) 297-8708, info@aquaponics.com.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION - SUMMER MEETING
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm Pavilion, Petersburg, Virginia
(Directions on RESOURCES page)
10:00 - 12:00 Business Meeting & Producer Roundtable
12:00 - 1:00 Break for lunch - on your own
1:00 Afternoon Program - Tour of VSU Fish Processing Facility (led by Bert Reid)
Farmers will be presented guidelines for use of the facility.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
24th Annual VSU AGRICULTURE FIELD DAY 8:00 - 3:00
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm, Petersburg, Virginia
The VSU Agriculture Field Day is a showcase of Agriculture Tourism. This is a growing source of income for many farmers. The current economic stress has actually caused increased market demand for local farm-based entertainment. Families, who may not be able to afford a week of vacation in a distant resort area, may be able to afford a day trip to a local farm that is open to tourists. We cannot represent all of the different agri-tourism opportunities but we have arranged for an exhibit and discussion of a few specific examples. Among the "tour stops" will be: Pumpkin Patch and Pumpkin Catapult; Alpacas and Value-Added Alpaca Wool Products; Specialty Fruit and Vegetable Production; Sweet Sorghum Cane, Edamame; Crafting with Gourds; Fee Fishing and Youth Fishing Contest; and Organic Production of Winter Squash. Register by August 21, 2009 to attend. For more information, contact Andy Hankins 804-524-5960; cstreetman@vsu.edu.
Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:00 - 5:00 pm
LEARN TO BUILD TROUT CAGES AT VSU
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm Pavilion, Petersburg, Virginia
(Directions on RESOURCES page)
Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, in cooperation with the Virginia Aquaculture Association, will hold a workshop to teach farm pond owners and fish farmers with farm ponds how to build cages for growing rainbow trout during the winter for fun or profit. Free and open to the public, the workshop will be held at VSU's Cooperative Extension Pavilion located on River Road, Ettrick. Participants will build cages during the workshop. Workshop topics will include deciding which species of fish to raise, determining where to locate cages, feeding and marketing, and cage design. Interested participants are requested to register by September 1. To register or for more information, call Dr. Louis Landesman, VSU aquaculture management agent at (804) 524-6962 or e-mail llandesman@vsu.edu; or Dr. David Crosby, VSU fish health specialist, at (804) 524-5620 or e-mail dcrosby@vsu.edu. Anyone needing special services or accommodations in order to participate should call in advance to discuss arrangements.
September 25-29, 2009
WORLD AQUACULTURE CONFERENCE
Veracruz, Mexico
October 19-21, 2009
FISH CULTURE TECHNIQUES
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Peirce, Florida
Information: www.aquaculture-online.org, (772) 465-2400, ext. 506
Thursday, October 22, 2009
VSU AQUACULTURE FIELD DAY
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm, Petersburg, Virginia
(Details forthcoming.)
November 13, 2009
VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL MEETING
Virginia Aquaculture Conference - Williamsburg, Virginia
November 13-14, 2009
VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE CONFERENCE
George Washington Inn & Conference Center, Williamsburg, Virginia
www.vaaquacultureconference.com
November 14-15, 2009
IN-DEPTH AQUAPONICS & CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE
Montello, Wisconsin
This is a 3-1/2 day in-depth workshop on aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture. Morning classroom sessions are followed by hands-on learning in an aquaponic greenhouse. Information: www.aquaponics.com/infoCourses.htm, Nelson and Pade, Inc., (608) 297-8708, info@aquaponics.com.
Wednesday, July 8 - Friday, July 10, 2009 Beginning at 8:30 daily
(FREE) THREE-DAY FISH SCHOOL AT VSU
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm Extension Pavilion
4415 River Road, Petersburg, Virginia
FROM THE GROUND UP! WORKSHOPS
Presented by The Total Life Center, LLC
Our Father's Farm - Suffolk, Virginia
INSTRUCTORS: Will Allen and Dr. Shawne Bryant FEE: $325
Living Biological Worm Systems & Compost - Learn this innovative approach to sustainable crop production. Develop a comprehensive and sustainable growing system that can grow food year-round without heat! During this workshop, participants will learn hands-on how to construct and maintain a worm bin. Turn your worm castings into cash by creating a value-added product for your farm. The training also includes building indoor, small scale compost system and how to maintain outdoor, small and large scale systems.
Aquaculture - Learn how to build indoor fish and plant systems for food production. Participants will set up a small scale aquaponics system and learn how to maintain and monitor tilapia and perch fish production in a closed loop, natural system.
Hoop House Construction - Learn how to build a hoop greenhouse using innovative and cheap construction methods.
For more information, call 757-450-5129 or e-mail TotalLifeCenter@gmail.com.
Friday, February 20, 2009 10:00 AM
VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
FIRST QUARTER MEETING
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm Extension Pavilion
4415 River Road, Petersburg, Virginia
Reports to be given on: USDA Grant; Virginia AquaFarmers Network; Virginia Governor's Aquaculture Advisory Board Meeting; Virginia Farm Bureau Aquaculture Committee Meeting; Producer Member Activities; Research & Extension Activities; Youth Education Activities; and VAA events planned for spring and summer. (See directions on "Resources" page.)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 1:00 - 5:00 PM
AQUACULTURE CAGE BUILDING WORKSHOP
Virginia State University, Randolph Farm Extension Pavilion
4415 River Road, Petersburg, Virginia
This is always a fun event and an excellent opportunity for members to get to know each other better. Seasoned members will share tips and assist VSU Aquaculture staff in showing participants how to build a cage for growing fish in a pond for fun or profit. Each participant will actually build a cage as part of the learning experience. Information and short lectures will cover what fish to raise, location of cage in pond, cage design, feeding and tips on marketing fish.
Register by March 17 (although walk-ins are welcome). For more information, contact either Dr. Louis Landesman at 804-524-5493; llandesman@vsu.edu or Dr. David Crosby at 804-524-5620; dcrosby@vsu.edu. (See directions on "Resources" page.)
September 25 - October 5
2008 STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA
Virginia Aquaculture Exhibit & Youth Aquaculture Competition
(in the Virginia World Building)
Richmond International Raceway Complex
Richmond, Virginia
www.statefair.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
AQUACULTURE FIELD DAY
Petersburg, Virginia
For more information, contact Dr. Brian L. Nerrie, VSU aquaculture extension specialist, at (804) 524-5903 oe e-mail bnerrie@vsu.edu
Thursday, October 23, 2008 1:30 PM
VIRGINIA AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS
Immediately following lunch at the VSU Aquaculture Field Day, Petersburg, Virginia.
July 25-27, 2008
THE 7th INTERNATIONAL RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE
CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center - Roanoke, Virginia
(Register by June 16, 2008. $325/person early bird fee; $425/person after June 16. For more information: www.cpe.vt.edu/aquaculture/)
July 28-31, 2008
14th ANNUAL RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS SHORT COURSE
Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, Virginia
(Register by June 30, 2008. $750/person. For more information: www.bee.cornell.edu/outreach/aquaculture)
WATER REUSE FOR INTENSIVE AQUACULTURE
National Conservation Training Center - Shepherdstown, West Virginia
(Register by June 6. $750/person. For more information: www.conservationfund.org/node/665)
AQUACULTURE TRAINING WORKSHOP
FOR CENTRAL DISTRICT PRODUCERS*
Climax Ruritan Club, 4166 Climax Road (State Road 799), Chatham, VA 24531
Cost: $10 per person (lunch may be purchased on site)
The workshop will provide information in the areas of aquaponics, fish health, water quality, pond construction/management, power and alternative energy, live fish hauling and post-transport management, marketing and economics, and recirculating aquaculture systems. NOTE: This workshop counts as a one-day certification training program for the VAA Southside VA Cost-Share Program. Participants receive a 3-ring resource notebook containing all workshop handouts.
(Register by August 21, 2008. For more information, contact Martha Walker (434) 766-6761; walker53@vt.edu.)
* Central District Region: Cities of Danville, Lynchburg & Martinsville; Counties of Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, & Prince Edward
April 23, 2008
Water Quality Workshop
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Randolph Farm, Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia
(Register by April 16 by contacting Dr. David Crosby, VSU fish health specialist, at (804) 524-5620 or e-mail dcrosby@vsu.edu.) Free and open to the public, this workshop will provide hands-on training in the use of water test kits for farm pond and aquaculture facility management. Participants will learn the basic water quality parameters for farm ponds and aquaponics systems, and how water quality affects fish health.
VAA BOARD & MEMBERSHIP MEETING
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Randolph Farm Pavilion,Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia.
THREE-DAY FISH SCHOOL
Starts at 8:30 Daily
Cooperative Extension Pavilion, River Road, Ettrick,Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia.
Free and Open to the Public. Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University has scheduled its annual three-day fish School featuring "hands-on practical aquaculture" for anyone interested in producing fish in ponds, cages and greenhouses. Any interested participants can register for the entire session or for individual days. Anyone wanting to engage in hands-on pond, laboratory or greenhouse activities is encouraged to dress appropriately.
Wednesday, July 9th: topics include catfish hatchery, fingerling, food fish, hybrid striped bass, and shrimp production; and pond and cage culture. Hands-on activities will be harvesting a pond or working with water gardens.
Friday, July 11th: Participants will learn about VSU's Youth Aquaculture Program, hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse production systems, and aquacultural economics. High tunnels, greenhouse hydroponics and greenhouse limited-scale recirculation systems will be the focus of hands-on activities.
To register, call VSU's Aquaculture Office at (804) 524-5496 or e-mail Dr. Brian Nerrie, VSU aquaculture extension specialist, at bnerrie@vsu.edu.
Friday, November 16, 2007 - Saturday, November 17, 2007
Virginia Aquaculture Conference
The USDA 2005 Census of Aquaculture ranks
The Virginia Aquaculture Conference is designed for those already in the aquaculture industry, and those who are considering starting an aquaculture business. It will provide an opportunity to learn about current or upcoming issues, new developments in culture technology, and interact with others with similar interests. A trade show will accompany the program providing direct contact with aquaculture supply vendors. Both shellfish and finfish culture activities will be addressed during the two-day program, as well as topics of interest to both groups, such as marketing, financial and regulator resources. As part of the opening day festivities, there will be a Gala Aquaculture Reception, featuring
Dr. Gary Jensen, National Program Leader for Aquaculture with the USDA, will discuss the evolution and direction of
The afternoon of November 17 will feature several concurrent sessions. One session will be directed towards the expanding freshwater culture industry with updates on culture activities for catfish, hybrid striped bass, freshwater prawns, aquaponics, tilapia and cobia. Complimenting the morning presentation on the retail sector, niche marketing and the newly established Virginia Aquafarmers Network (VAN) will be highlighted. On the saltwater culture side, a session addressing national and state regulatory issues, options for post-harvest treatment of cultured shellfish, and the development of best management practices for shellfish aquaculture will interest those in shellfish culture. The final afternoon session is intended for educators wishing to integrate aquaculture into their education plans; this special session will be limited in attendance.
Registration for all events, including the Gala Aquaculture Reception, is $50.00, prior to October 19, 2007 ($75 after). Online registration is available at, point on “Conference Registration”, click on “Virginia Aquaculture Conference” and follow the directions. The Conference will be held at the George Washington Inn and Conference Center, 500 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185, where a block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at a rate of $70.00 per night. Call 757-220-1410 to make your reservation and please mention that you are with the Virginia Aquaculture Conference in order to receive the conference rate.
Any questions regarding the Virginia Aquaculture Conference may be directed to Michael Oesterling, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 804-684-7165, mike@vims.edu.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Pond Management Workshop in Charlotte County
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Aquaculture Field Day at VSU
Cooperative Extension at
