How to Raise Fresh Atlantic Salmon in Nebraska
When you think of Nebraska, the first things that come to mind might be cornfields, soybeans, or cattle, but salmon? Yes, you read that right. Fresh Atlantic salmon is being sustainably raised right in the heart of the Midwest, thanks to Nebraska Vegetable and Protein (NVP). Located just south of Nebraska City, Mimi and Kiel VanderVeen have brought an unexpected yet exciting agricultural commodity to the region through their innovative aquaponics system.
The Vision: Fresh Fish and Produce from a Landlocked State
NVP’s aquaponics system doesn’t just raise salmon; it creates a symbiotic environment where fish and plants grow together. The result? Fresh produce and high-quality Atlantic salmon, all cultivated in a sustainable system right in Nebraska.
How did this idea come to fruition? Mimi and Kiel, owners of NVP, began their journey three years ago with a dream to introduce fresh, sustainable salmon to a part of the country where such seafood was rare. After receiving a grant from the Sherwood Foundation and learning from aquaponics experts in California, they set out to make their vision a reality.
Mimi recalls how Kiel’s determination inspired the project, saying, “If you are going to invest the energy, research, and resources, why not go for a really good quality of fish?” From the start, their goal was to provide a luxury item — fresh Atlantic salmon — to the Midwest in a way that is environmentally conscious and financially viable.
JUST HATCHED: The Atlantic salmon that are shipped from Iceland are hatched in the NVP facility. Every 90 days, they are moved to a different tank until it is harvesting time. (Photo by Elizabeth Hodges)
A Family-Owned, Sustainable Operation
Building the fish farm has been both challenging and rewarding for the VanderVeens, who have expanded their family and their business along the way. They’ve added employees and built a community of support around their vision, one that reflects their passion for both quality food and sustainability.
The heart of the operation is the salmon lifecycle, which starts with fish eggs shipped all the way from Iceland. Every 90 days, the salmon move to different tanks as they mature, with their diet adjusted accordingly. NVP’s focus on quality extends to the feed they use, which eliminates the “off flavor” that can sometimes be present in farmed fish.
“The feed firms up the flesh, pushes out the off flavor, and reduces packaging gape, so it should be indistinguishable from wild-caught,” says Kiel.
PERFECT FILLET: Another quality protein can be added to the list of ag products in Nebraska. This farmed salmon is set apart from other fish because of the growing strategies and care that the NVP team puts into production. (Photo by Mimi VanderVeen)
A Sustainable Process
One of the key aspects of NVP’s aquaponics system is sustainability. Fish manure is repurposed as fertilizer for crops, and water is recirculated to grow fresh lettuce — seven different varieties, in fact. Even the root systems of harvested lettuce find new life as chicken feed. Additionally, the fish tanks themselves are repurposed old grain bins, and water-holding tanks were once milk trucks.
Contrary to what you might think, the system is incredibly water-efficient. “We recirculate 99% of our water,” Kiel explains. “What we lose is almost exclusively due to evaporation.”
SUSTAINABILITY IS CRUCIAL: The NVP team understands how important sustainability is and incorporates different water-saving and waste-reducing strategies to create the best products. They raise seven different varieties of lettuce with their aquaponic system. (Photo by Elizabeth Hodges)
Local Distribution and Impact
Raising Atlantic salmon in a landlocked state like Nebraska isn’t just about novelty; it’s about bringing fresh, locally grown fish to the community. NVP processes and packages their salmon on-site in an FDA-inspected facility, with fish being harvested weekly. They currently produce around 1,000 pounds of salmon per week, and the number is growing.
Nebraska residents can enjoy the fruits of NVP’s labor by purchasing their salmon and lettuce at local markets like Cornhusker Beef in Nebraska City, Ellsworth Crossing in Waterloo, and the Omaha farmers market.
Bringing Fresh Fish to the Heartland
With its sustainable aquaponics system, NVP has accomplished something truly unique: bringing fresh Atlantic salmon to Nebraska. The VanderVeens’ journey shows how innovation and determination can introduce a new, sustainable food source even in unexpected places. Whether you’re craving high-quality, locally grown salmon or fresh produce, NVP offers a taste of something special — right from the heartland.
Interested in learning more about NVP? Follow them on Facebook or visit one of their vendors to experience Nebraska-raised fish and vegetables for yourself!
Article can be found here: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/how-to-raise-fresh-atlantic-salmon-in-nebraska