As the aquaculture industry continues to grow in the Americas region, so does the U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) investment of time and resources. Permanent trainings for those involved with the aquaculture industry in the Americas continue to add value to the industry, while also building relationships around U.S. Soy. 

USSEC hosted these trainings in partnership with Kansas State University (KSU), the International Grains Program (IGP) and Auburn University (AU) throughout October. Participants included individuals in the aquaculture balanced feed industry, as well as some belonging to the fish and shrimp production sectors.   

The online training programs focused on topics such as nutrition, the production process, quality control, feeding programs, pellet feeds, extruded feeds, milling, certifications, aquaculture production and more. Specialists from KSU, IGP and USSEC also presented on sustainability and the use of U.S. Soy.

The group was accompanied by soybean farmer Lance Rezac of the Kansas Soybean Commission. Rezac provided a look into his own operation, giving details on U.S. Soy farming and its focus on sustainability.

USSEC co-hosted an additional training with AU. The virtual event, Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP), was organized for technicians from the aquaculture operations of the Americas. The AU School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences is recognized as a premier warm-water fishery and aquaculture program with a world-renowned reputation. The school hosted three modules that served as the core education material for the event. 

CAP participants explored nutrition, water quality and aquaculture production. Those who completed all three modules received a certification of completion from the training. 

Through investment in aquaculture stakeholders, like these trainings, USSEC continues to promote the use of U.S. Soy in aquaculture diets while strengthening the industry in the Americas as a whole.