Residents of Miller’s assisted Living recently took a road trip to check out the Hoosier Shrimp Farm located in beautiful country side of Walkerton, Indiana. Jason and Kristen Troike established their business in September of 2013 and are growing their business daily.
“Our mission,” states Jason, “is to introduce NW Indiana to a superior quality product that is locally raised, 100% sustainable, and eco-friendly, at an affordable price”.
The Troike’s are raising Pacific White Shrimp which is native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They have two nursery tanks in which they start the baby shrimp out. According to Jason a baby shrimp is no bigger than and eye lash. Each nursery tank holds approximately 15,000 shrimp. At certain stages of growth the shrimp are divided into stock tanks which hold 6,000-7,000 shrimp. The farm now has 18 salt water tanks each holding approximately 4,500 gallons of water and 600 pounds of salt in each tank.
Kristen went on to explain that water testing is done daily on all the tanks to maintain the high standard of water quality and to regulate the water temperatures of 28-30 degrees Celsius.
“We use no antibiotics, hormones, or dangerous chemicals in our tanks,” said Kristen.
Throughout the farm tour the residents marveled at how many shrimp were growing in the various tanks and they were amazed at the amount of work involved in raising shrimp.
The Troike’s retail hours for selling their farm fresh shrimp are Fridays from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CST and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CST or you may call 317-331-4027and set up an appointment. They also are more than willing to give tours of their business.
Photo Captions:
- Residents and Volunteers from Miller’s Assisted Living visited Hoosier Shrimp Farm: (l-r) Glen Martin, Daren Morgan, Nancy Smiley (volunteer), Marie Ringle,Mary Ellen Triplet, Wilma Hepler, Jean Burton, Jason Troike (owner), Jack Kinney, Cindy Flagg (Activity Director), Kathy Ambrose (volunteer) and Kristen Troike (owner). Not pictured: Devon and Dawn Hepler (volunteers).
- Kristen Troike of Hoosier Shrimp Farm displays a Pacific White Shrimp that is approximately 45 days old.
