The 2026 United States Trout Farmers Association (USTFA) Fall Conference wrapped up in Twin Falls, Idaho, bringing together trout producers, researchers, trade partners, and industry friends for three days of knowledge-sharing, fellowship, and celebration. Co-hosted by Riverence and the Idaho Aquaculture Association, and held at the Canyon Crest Event Center – overlooking the scenic Snake River Canyon, this year’s gathering highlighted the latest advances in genetics, fish health, artificial intelligence, and marketing, while continuing our association’s cherished traditions.

Pre-Conference: Biomark Facility Tour (September 14)

Before the main program officially commenced, attendees kicked off the week in Boise, Idaho, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour hosted by Merck Animal Health. Participants toured the Merck Animal Health Office – highlighting the Biomark® Brand – where attendees gained direct insight into cutting-edge fish identification technology as well as tracking and monitoring systems.

Day 1: Leadership, Blue Foods, and Industry Resilience (September 15)

The formal conference opened on Tuesday, September 15. The official sessions began on a somber yet heartfelt note with a eulogy and special recognition honoring the late Dr. Ron Hardy, paying tribute to his decades of foundational contributions, leadership, and research in aquaculture and fish nutrition.

Following opening remarks, celebrity chef, author (The Blue Food Cookbook), and educator Barton Seaver delivered the opening keynote, discussing the vital role of sustainable trout production in the future of global “Blue Foods.”

Barton Seaver Delivers Keynote at the 2026 USTFA Fall Conference

Technical Sessions & Presentations:

• Breeding Better Trout: Tim Leeds (USDA) presented research on achievements in growth rates, fillet yields, and ongoing genetic work targeting temperature tolerance in rainbow trout.
• Economic Impacts of Fish Disease: Gary Fornshell (Aquaculture Results LLC) examined the farm-level economic costs associated with disease outbreaks and regulatory responses, focusing on case studies involving Whirling Disease (Myxobolus cerebralis).
• Policy & Multi-Generational Insights: Caitlyn Czajkowski provided regulatory and policy updates from the National Aquaculture Association (NAA), followed by an engaging and personal reflection by Katie Harris (Mt. Lassen Trout Farm) titled “What My Dad Taught Me… and What I Had to Learn Myself.”

Day 1 concluded with a lively pre-dinner mixer, the annual President’s Reception Dinner, a raucous USTFA Auction – which raised essential funds to support USTFA’s advocacy and educational initiatives – and the fan favorite Riverence dunk tank!

Day 2: Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Association Business (September 16)

Wednesday featured a full lineup of technical presentations focused on consumer perception, nutrition, diagnostics, and emerging technologies.

Key Research Highlights:

• Consumer Perception & Physiology: Brennan Smith (USDA) shared new insights into off-flavor development and consumer acceptance, while Tim Leeds (USDA) detailed how triploidy, dietary fat levels, and hypoxia shape high-yield rainbow trout performance.
• Human & Fish Health: Annie Roe (University of Idaho) highlighted research on increasing trout consumption among children and families for cognitive and mental health benefits. Pedro Viadanna (University of Idaho), Nora Hickey (WADDL / WSU), and Bill Keleher (Kennebec River Biosciences) covered diagnostics, surveillance, and practical fish health management programs.
• Community Education: Kevin Hoffman delivered an update on the Onalaska High School Aquaculture and Fisheries project, which was the recent recipient of a grant from the USTFA Small Grants Program for Aquaculture Education and Outreach.
• AI in Aquaculture: Rakesh Ranjan (The Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute) introduced trends in AI, setting the stage for an afternoon Panel Forum on practical, on-farm applications of artificial intelligence in daily farm management.

USTFA Membership Meeting & Board Elections

During the annual USTFA Membership Meeting, members received organizational updates and conducted board elections. We are proud to announce that three directors were elected to the Board of Directors:

• Katie Harris (Mt. Lassen Trout Farm) – Re-elected (Incumbent)
• Sean Nepper (Riverence)
• JT O’Rourke (Rangen)

Honoring Excellence & Industry Tradition

Wednesday evening featured the annual USTFA Banquet, where two major honors were presented:

• Clark & Mimi White Distinguished Service Award: Jim Parsons was presented with the USTFA’s prestigious Clark & Mimi White Distinguished Service Award, honoring his extraordinary dedication, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the American trout industry.
• Ugly Trout Farmer Award: In keeping with tradition, Sean Nepper received the coveted, lighthearted Ugly Trout Farmer Award, bringing laughter, smiles, and great camaraderie to the evening banquet.

Day 3: Farm & Facility Tours of Riverence (September 17)

To wrap up the conference, attendees traveled into Idaho’s Magic Valley for an exclusive tour of Riverence’s production facilities. Participants explored cold-water raceways, spring-fed rearing systems, and advanced broodstock selection setups, seeing firsthand the operational practices and scale of the largest trout producer in the Americas.

Looking Ahead: See You in North Carolina in 2027!

Thank you to all our host facilities, sponsors, vendors, speakers, and members who made the 2026 USTFA Fall Conference in Twin Falls such a resounding success.

Mark your calendars! The 2027 USTFA Fall Conference will take place in North Carolina (exact dates and location details TBD). Stay tuned to ustfa.org for upcoming announcements!