Beginning small scale aquaculture producers in the state of Kentucky need up-to-date information concerning production and marketing. Pond-based aquaculture can be an expensive enterprise, specifically in Kentucky where pond construction costs can be three times as expensive as other states due to widespread karst systems and rocky soil conditions. Indoor fish farming is also very capital intensive with most enterprises requiring insulated building with road access, drainage, lighting, and temperature control. These high costs of entry and high levels of risk mean that it is very important for beginning aquaculture producers to have the latest information in order support their enterprise. Although in-person educational programs have been the standard for most extension programs, the pandemic has made alternative educational formats such as online workshops necessary for reaching clientele.
This project looks at what types of educational formats our beginning aquaculture producers prefer for receiving information. A survey of beginning producers in the state was conducted, focusing on the different venues and formats that extension personnel could use to share information with their clientele. Although in-person trainings were preferred by the majority of the respondents, there was a strong indication that online meetings and materials are an important part of educating beginning producers.