Aquaculture in Barns

Can My Old Hog Barn be Converted for Fish Production?  

The short answer is yes!  Barns, hog, turkey, chicken, etc., can be converted for fish production.  Growing fish indoors in recirculating systems at optimal temperatures allows for year-round production that cannot be achieved in ponds.  However, there are several factors that one must consider before deciding if it is economically sound to convert a barn. First, you need a good supply of high quality water.  Well water is best.  Typically, fish culture is not economically feasible if you plan on de-chlorinating city water.  Does your barn have access to high quality water?  Second, you will need electricity.  Recirculating aquaculture requires a lot of electricity.  Does your barn have access to electricity?  Third, given that you will be trying to keep your fish at their optimal growing temperature, your barn will need to be insulated.  Your insulation will need to be waterproof due to the high moisture levels associated with indoor systems.  Older barns are typically expensive to insulate.  Some newer barns are already well insulated.  The following paper will help you evaluate your particular situation.

http://aquanic.org/publicat/state/il-in/ces/ces-240_conver.htm

Steaming Videos:

Advice	Doing Research	Marketing
Obstacles	Setting Up	The Decision

Aquaculture in barns in the news:

• Hog Barn Converted to Aquaculture Facility

• SARE Barn conversion results

• Kansas City Dairy Barn

• Remodeling Existing Farm Structures for Commercial Fish Culture

• Urban Aquaculture Center offers cutting-edge fish production

• Dairy Barn to Raise Fish

• News Article about Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and the future of seafood

Photo Gallery:

Telephone:740-289-2071 or 1-800-297-2072(in state)   FAX: 740-289-4591

2009® copyright by OCARD

Webmaster: yao63@ag.osu.edu