The United States Trout Farmers Association (USTFA) fall conference has come to a close, and we would like to thank everyone who participated – our speakers and presenters (listed below), our sponsors (listed below), our vendors (listed below), our farm tour hosts (Riverence and the University of Idaho), our co-organizer (Idaho Aquaculture Association), and all those in attendance. We are extremely grateful to have such a vibrant, enthusiastic, and fun industry.

As a recap, the conference speaker sessions and meetings took place at the Herrett Center on the grounds of the College of Southern Idaho. And our evening events (president’s reception, auction, banquet, and awards ceremony) were held at the Canyon Crest Event Center. (A full agenda can be viewed here.)

During the USTFA awards ceremony, two awards were presented.

First, USTFA president, Mark Ely presented the Clark and Mimi White Distinguished Service Award to long time industry member and former USTFA president and board member, Leo Ray. (View more details about Leo Ray’s award presentation here.)

The second award, USTFA’s Ugly Trout Farmer Award, was given to former USTFA president and board member, Katie Harris. Katie was unable to accept her award in person, however, as she was accepting another, slightly more prestigious award – the 2022 Becky L. Sisley Award at the University of Oregon.

After our two days of sessions and events, the University of Idaho and Riverence hosted tours of their respective facilities. The tour group first toured the University of Idaho’s Hagerman Fish Research Station, led by Aquaculture Research and Extension Specialist, Jacob Bledsoe, Ph.​D.​ The group was then taken to Riverence’s Snake River Complex for a full tour of the facility, led by Riverence’s Chief Brood Officer, Sean Nepper.

Thank you again to all those involved – we hope to see you all next year!

View additional conference pictures here.

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Conference Speakers and Presenters

Brian Small, University of Idaho
Ken Overturf, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Jake Bledsoe, University of Idaho
Director Celia Gould, Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Craig Quarterman, Ag & Natural Resources Director, Congressman Simpson
Matt Powell, University of Idaho
Mosope Abinikannda, University of Idaho
Vikas Kumar, University of Idaho
Ryan Ardoin, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Gibson Gaylord, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Chris Jackson, Riverence
Yniv Palti, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Paul Zajicek, National Aquaculture Association
Ganesh Kumar, Mississippi State University

Conference Sponsors

Zeigler Bros., Inc.
Merck Animal Health
Pacific Seafood
Aquatic Equipment and Design, Inc.
Scoular
Skretting USA, Inc.
AquaTactics Fish Health
Aqua-Life Products
Rangen
Syndel USA
Green Plains

Conference Vendors

Alltech
AquaTactics Fish Health
Aquatic Equipment and Design, Inc.
Cargill / EWOS
Cryogenetics, Inc.
Green Plains
Kasco Marine
Merck Animal Health
National Aquaculture Association
RK2 Systems, Inc.
Skretting USA, Inc.
Syndel USA
USDA/National Ag Statistics Service
Zeigler Bros., Inc.