Gaylords bring aquaculture to Bates County
By SHARON KIESEL
A new business that has been two years in the making will open officially this Saturday, March 12. JEMV, so named for the four owners first initials, is an aquaculture business. Founded by Joe and Eric Gaylord and their wives, Mary and Valerie, JEMV is located on a 100 acre farm southwest of Butler. As far as is known, it is the first aquaculture business in Bates County. The Gaylords are raising food grade fish. Currently they have some 700 rainbow trout, 10,000 hybrid bluegill and lots of fresh water shrimp, also known as prawns.
“We started checking into it with the Extension Office, researching and gathering information. We checked with the bank on loan possibilities and we visited Lincoln University in Jefferson City - they are really big in aquaculture,” Joe said. “They have been a really good source for information. We’ve been there and they have been here, working with us as we got set up.” The Gaylords also visited other operations throughout Missouri before making a final decision.
Aquaculture began in the United States as long ago as the late 1800’s. It’s a method of farming that involves aquatics, the raising of fish and/or water plants in a more controlled environment than they would be growing in the wild.
In all, they built 14 bluegill cages, that set down four feet deep in the 4 ½ acre lake. The cages and other parts of the operation are made from PCP pipe. There is an aeration system with equipment to monitor the oxygen levels and tracks water quality and temperature.
The Gaylords are members of the Missouri Aquaculture Association. They are staying in close contact with the Lincoln University’s Aquaculture Department to be aware of new information and demands for fish.
On Saturday, March 12, and each Saturday following, weather permitting and, while this crop of rainbow trout lasts, JEMV Fish will be hosting a Rainbow Trout Harvest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. The trout will be available in tanks (no fishing allowed). People can pick out the trout they want and can either clean them or take advantage of tipping someone else to clean the fish. The fish will be sold by live weight only. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day.
The Gaylord farm is located southwest of Butler. Go Missouri 52 west from U.S. 71 Highway, to County Route K. Go south on K about 2.5 miles to the T intersection. The farm is about .2 west on the gravel and is the second residence on the south. It is easy to get to, but watch for the signs. For more information call 660-424-0080 or 816-797-6699.
Joe & Mary Gaylord are pictured right.