Aquaponics demonstration unit goes on the road, reaches thousands of stakeholders
A Kentucky State University aquaponics demonstration unit has been displayed at several events this fall, reaching thousands of stakeholders.
This 250-gallon unit was funded through the Small-Scale Farm Grant Program, a Kentucky State University partnership with Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB).
In August, it was set up at the Kentucky State Fair. Thousands of visitors peered through the picture window at the Nile tilapia inside the tank and at the sweet pepper plants and lettuce growing in the hydroponic bays.
After the fair, the system was set up at Farmer Appreciation Day event in collaboration with the Kentucky Aquaculture Association at Jefferson County’s Rocky Ridge Paddlefish Farm on September 10. Finally, the recirculating system was put on display at one of Central Kentucky’s largest agritourism farms in Hardin County.
The unit’s permanent placement will be in the general assembly hall at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg. It will be stocked with tilapia and be in full production by spring 2023.