2024 USTFA Fall Conference Recap

Thank You to all who attended and participated in the 2024 USTFA fall conference in Corning, CA!

The United States Trout Farmers Association (USTFA) fall conference has come to an end, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who made it unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers and presenters (listed below), our generous sponsors (listed below), our wonderful vendors (listed below), and especially to our gracious farm tour hosts, Katie Harris and Phil Mackey from Mt. Lassen Trout Farm. We also deeply appreciate our auction donors and every single one of you who attended.

We are truly fortunate to be part of such a passionate, dynamic, and fun-filled industry that continues to inspire and unite us all.

Caviar Tasting

On the first night of the conference festivities, guests were in for an incredible surprise – a taste of Mt. Lassen caviar! Partnering with Ken Beer and The Fishery, Mt. Lassen has launched their exciting new line of caviar, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for Mt. Lassen.

Mt. Lassen Trout Farm 75th Anniversary Celebration

To mark the 75th anniversary of Mt. Lassen Trout Farm, guests at the conference, along with beloved local friends and family, were welcomed to a heartfelt banquet where Mt. Lassen trout took center stage. The air buzzed with warmth and nostalgia as Katie unveiled a touching slideshow, weaving together the rich history of the family and the farm. Each image offered a glimpse into the legacy that had shaped their journey, leaving attendees moved by the deep roots and cherished memories that had brought them all together on this special evening.

Ugly Trout Farmer Award

Though USTFA past president and most recent recipient of the Ugly Trout Farmer Award, Mark Ely, wasn’t able to attend the conference this year, Mark enlisted USTFA board member, Danielle Florenzen to present the award to this year’s recipient. And the winner of this year’s Ugly Trout Farmer Award is…

Jackie Zimmerman!

Past Ugly Trout Farmer Award Recipients

Paul Zajicek and Bob Robinson Recognized

Two beloved pillars of our industry, Paul Zajicek from the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) and Bob Robinson from Kasco Marine, have recently announced their plans to retire. Paul and Bob are not just colleagues – they are two of the kindest, most extraordinary individuals you could ever hope to meet. Their contributions to the industry, these conferences, and our community go beyond words. They have shaped and inspired so many of us, both professionally and personally, leaving a lasting legacy that we will carry forward.

Thank you, Paul and Bob, from the bottom of our hearts! You will be deeply missed, but your impact will continue to ripple through this industry for years to come.

Election of USTFA Board of Directors

At the conference, USTFA members elected three directors to the USTFA board. The three newly elected USTFA directors are Allen Conklin (incumbent), Danielle Florenzen (incumbent), and Johnathan Blakey (incumbent).

With the newly elected mentioned above, the USTFA officers and directors include:

Jesse Trushenski, President
Johnathan Blakey, Vice President
Brittany Peachy, Treasurer
Allen Conklin, Secretary
Kyle Martin, Director
Danielle Florenzen, Director
Jackie Zimmerman, Director
Katie Harris, Director

Tour

After our two days of sessions and events, Katie Harris and Phil Mackey hosted a tour of Mt. Lassen Trout Farm. The tour was very well attended, and tour guests got to see it all – from office operations to hatchery management to grow out and finished product. The tour concluded with lunch at Mt. Lassen Seafood, which is the processing and direct-to-consumer arm of the business.

Merch

For those who didn’t have a chance to purchase merch at the conference, USTFA’s new hats and shirts are available online!

Thank You / 2025 Conference

Thank you again to all those who attended and participated in this year’s USTFA fall conference – we hope to see you all next year at the 2025 USTFA fall conference, September 16th – 18th at the Hunter Mountain Resort, which will be hosted by Hudson Valley Fisheries!