Local Prawns: Hoosier Shrimp Farm, Walkerton IN

Until a week ago, I didn't realize we live on the edge of the midwest prawn belt. Less than ninety minutes away is Hoosier Shrimp Farm in Walkerton IN, one of the state's many indoor shrimp farms. According to Jason Troike, Hoosier Shrimp's owner, of the 20 shrimp farms in the country, 11 are in Indiana. I'm not sure how accurate those numbers are because the industry is expanding so fast, but there's no question Indiana is a major player. Part of the reason seems to be the innovative aquaculture programs at Purdue and elsewhere, and businesses like RDM Aquaculture in Fowler IN, who consult with and supply those who are just getting started.

Hoosier Shrimp Farm isn't far from US-30, but it's pretty well hidden among the corn and soybean fields.



The saltwater tanks, actually modified swimming pools, are located in large metal sheds. Like most indoor operations, they use the "zero exchange aerobic heterotrophic" system. Populations of beneficial bacteria (mostly of the Bacillus genus) handle the shrimp waste and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. No antibiotics or hormones are used, little waste is generated, and water is reused for years.



Pacific white shrimp is the species of choice for indoor farming. These guys are extremely lively and a bit of a challenge to handle. Jason is only now harvesting his first crops of shrimp, but already he is talking about one day growing oysters in the same tanks.



Shrimp are harvested after the order is placed and sold live on ice. I regret not getting a pound to cook myself, but logistically it wasn't feasible.



It's less than 75 miles from home, so I hope to get back soon for shrimp and eggs.

Hoosier Shrimp Farm
7855 E 775 N
Walkerton IN
317-331-4027
http://www.hoosiershrimpfarm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoosier- ... 5113946610
Fri 2-6pm, Sat 1-4pm CST or call for appointment

As I posted elsewhere, these people have a stand at the Thursday Daley Center farmer's market. In addition to information about how to order (I don't think they sell raw shrimp there) they are now offering several items including a freshly cooked shrimp taco.

I go to a saltwater shrimp farm down in El Paso, IL. on occasion - down by my stomping grounds in Peoria.

http://www.thesteinerfarm.com/shrimp.html

posted bout it here:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=29541&start=30&sp=475181

their shrimp were pretty good, not up to fresh from the ocean varieties(duh), but not the tasteless mush most fresh water farmed shrimp seem to be. But their eggs, Ive never seen a brighter yolk or tasted a finer egg.

Jonah wrote:As I posted elsewhere, these people have a stand at the Thursday Daley Center farmer's market. In addition to information about how to order (I don't think they sell raw shrimp there) they are now offering several items including a freshly cooked shrimp taco.

Hoosier Shrimp Farm just recently started production and currently sells only at their Walkerton location. Another Indiana shrimp farm, Amazing Shrimp, sells (or arranges to sell) at Green City Market. They may be the ones at the Daley Center market, I'm not sure.

jimswside wrote:I go to a saltwater shrimp farm down in El Paso, IL. on occasion - down by my stomping grounds in Peoria.

http://www.thesteinerfarm.com/shrimp.html

posted bout it here:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=29541&start=30&sp=475181

their shrimp were pretty good, not up to fresh from the ocean varieties(duh), but not the tasteless mush most fresh water farmed shrimp seem to be. But their eggs, Ive never seen a brighter yolk or tasted a finer egg.

I think Steiner may have been the first indoor saltwater shrimp farm in Illinois. I don't know the current number, but there's also M&M Shrimp Shack in Mendon and Salty Prawn in Chicago. I have a feeling the numbers will soon increase significantly, but Illinois has a way to go before they catch up to Indiana.

Who knew there were two shrimp farms in Indiana! I just assumed it had to be the same place.

HI,

I had noticed a passing comment by Bruce Cook about Hoosier Shrimp Farm on facebook. Until this time, I knew of a shrimp farm in southern Illinois. Long ago, LAZ had gone there for a shrimp festival.

I did buy one pound of live shrimp for $15 per pound. They were packed in a bag, then placed inside a bag of ice. Since we had a full day ahead of us, they provided an additional bag of ice.

When I opened the next day and poured the shrimp to a brine, it appeared to move. Well, they were dead though their legs unfolded just enough to give the impression of movement. When I removed their heads, there was roe visible.

I used their shells to flavor a broth, which I eventually cooked them in. They were light pink with darker pink strips, firm and tasted fresh from the sea. I would even consider eating these raw for sushi, because I knew they were handled well.

On a side note, Jason Troike has a Russian family name though he is also German. He is a German from Russia, who emigrated to the United States en masse in the 18th century. I am finding more and more pockets of these people around this area. I knew they were in Nebraska, North and South Dakota. I was simply unaware they were far closer.

Regards,

I would pay extra to get wild caught shrimp, which most likely means frozen in Chicago. Do some internet research into the pros/cons of farmed shrimp. Thankfully here in Georgia wild white and brown shrimp caught off the coast are very reasonable in price. We can also drive to the Georgia/Florida line during rock shrimp season. They are a real treat if you ever have the opportunity to have some.

I bought a dozen shrimp from Amazing Shrimp @ Green City Market last week. They are wonderfully clean tasting but not particularly notable. I think I was hoping for more of a sweet flavor. Another couple of tastings could easily change my mind. Nonetheless I don't really have anything to complain about aside from the cost.

From their facebook page today:

After lots of thought and contemplation, the time has come to announce the forever closing of Hoosier Shrimp Farm. We have poured our hearts, dreams, and sweat into Hoosier Shrimp Farm over the last 5+ years but we just couldn't materialize our goals into the sustainable production we needed to continue onward with this dream. We want to thank all of our customers, family, and friends that have supported us and been loyal customers during this journey. We have greatly appreciated all of your support and will dearly miss being able to provide such a great and fresh product to Northern Indiana and teach so many people about how to raise an ocean product right here in Starke County. Again thanks for all your support, kind words and interest in our family and farm!
The Troike Family