Kentland Rotary February 13

The Kentland Rotary Club learned about saltwater shrimp raised 600 miles from saltwater and just a few miles from Kentland from Karlanea Brown, Co-Owner of RDM Shrimp located on Highway 18 near Fowler, Indiana.   Karelanea explained the process of growing saltwater shrimp from Pl’s (Post Larvals) that arrive in an oxygen rich bag of 50,000 to the retail marketing of 25 to 28 count shrimp about five months later.  RDM is the sixth of eight sites raising saltwater shrimp in the United States.   They are continuing to refine the process and have achieved a 90% survival rate of the Pls and have expanded the operation.  They first moved to Benton County to raise hogs but the pork market was unfavorable and they began researching other uses for their buildings.   They also have greenhouses and use some of the heat from these structures to warm the shrimp farm when needed.  

RDM Shrimp farms use a zero exchange aerobic heterotrophic system (ZEAH).  They begin by running water thru several filters to take out unwanted bacteria, algae, and viruses.  After the tanks are filled salt is added and the water is reused and no hormones, chemicals or antibiotics are ever added. This system makes the water as close to the shrimps own natural habitat minus all the pollutants.  The shrimp arrive by truck from an SPF (specific pathogen free) hatchery in Florida at 11 days of age.  The shrimp spend 30 days in nursery tanks and are then moved to grower tanks for four months until they are ready for harvest.  Ms. Brown stated that the shrimp should be cooked with the heads on and then peeled after cooking.  There is no mud vein to remove because of the clean growing environment.  Since this process is relatively new, RDM Shrimp is working with Purdue Aquaculture Department and various other growers and equipment companies.  They market to retail customers only and are open 9 am to noon Monday through Thursday, Friday from 9am to 7pm, and Saturday 9am to noon.  Karlanea was the guest of Kirby Drey.