The NSW Aquaculture Association in partnership with “Yabby Dabba Doo” Yabby Farm held a yabby farming field day on Saturday the 19th August, 2017. On a cool but sunny winters day, 60 of us learnt about the commercial aquaculture of the yabby (Cherax destructor) by semi intensive methods, in purpose built earthen yabby ponds.
Rob McCormack explaining yabby farming to attendants
The field day started early with a number of super yabby traps being placed into some of the ponds. They were left to soak for several hours whilst attendants learnt the basics of commercial yabby farming.
Super yabby trap
Attendants viewed commercial yabby ponds, discussing what’s best for yabby culture at high densities and fast growth rates. We discussed pond construction, sizes, depth, turbidity, food, shelter, stocking densities, netting and fencing etc. Plus water quality, diseases, cannibalism, breeding, genetics and predation, plus lots more.
Neil Meyrick
Neil Meyrick from Aquablue Seafoods
discussed polyculture with both
Silver Perch and yabbies in the same pond.
Jacqui Johnson
Jacqui Johnson from Natfish
(North Coast Institute of TAFE)
discussed TAFE courses available on aquaculture.
David Drury
David Drury from
Wadalba Community School
discussed education and aquaculture.
Graeme Bowley, NSW DPI Fisheries
Graeme Bowley our Aquaculture Policy Officer from Fisheries NSW addressed attendants and discussed the issues and what’s needed to enter the industry. Graeme was a great hit and the man you will be applying to when applying for an aquaculture permit so a great opportunity to touch base and get all the information needed. Our thanks to Graeme and NSW DPI Fisheries, for their continued support.
Yabbies
The super yabby traps were checked later that day. With water temperatures at the winter low of between 10-11˚C it was touch and go whether we would catch any, but despite the cold water temps we managed to catch a load. The four fish boxes of yabbies were transported back to the purging facility where we discussed sorting, grading, purging and purging facility construction, etc.
Packing small yabbies
We discussed sorting and grading for the different markets. Yabbies were packed for those that were taking dam stock or bait home with them and the different packing methods were discussed for the best ways to ensure they stay alive in transit.
Jamie Williams the owner of “Yabby Dabba Doo” Yabby Farm opened the event and closed the event. Then he put on a sausage sizzle for everyone after the end of the event. It was an informative day, with everyone having a great time and we thank Jamie for opening his facilities to the attendants and being the perfect host.
Cheers Rob