– Missouri shrimp farming industry growing, despite struggles during the pandemic.
– The pull towards sustainable, better-tasting, locally produced shrimp is attracting consumers.
– Industry pioneers are rising to the challenge to adjust farming methods and promote growth.
Seizing the Fishing Net: A Look into Midwestern Shrimp Farming
The Midwest is known for its sprawling fields of corn and wheat, but a new crop is slowly making a name for itself – shrimp. This may come as a surprise, as we don’t usually associate farmland with seafood, but a die-hard group of farmers in the region is keen to change the perception.
While the Midwest may not have the coastline, it does have the determination to produce better-tasting, sustainable shrimp right in America’s heartland. These farmers are turning the tide and making the industry sit up and take notice despite the struggles encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Fields to Tanks: The Shrimp Farming Evolution
As prices and skepticism rise over imported, farm-raised shrimp, a movement is growing toward a more sustainable, better-tasting, locally produced option. As a result, local consumers are being drawn toward this new Midwestern delicacy.
The pioneers of the Missouri shrimp farming industry are adapting at the speed of light, introducing ingenious farming methods and aquatic infrastructure. This evolution is helping to put Missouri on the map for something other than wheat and corn, turning heads in an industry that is predominantly ocean-centric.
The Breezy Take
In the face of adversity, the Missouri shrimp industry is proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Their pioneering spirit and adaptability showcase the power of innovation flowing directly from America’s heartland. While the seafood market may be an unusual fit within Midwestern farmland, it is demonstrating the capacity for change and resilience during challenging times. This shift towards local, sustainable seafood is not only good news for the environment but also for those who appreciate a higher quality of shrimp on their plate.
Original article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/economy-business/2023-08-07/the-midwest-has-a-surprising-number-of-shrimp-farms-including-one-in-foristell