NCI Future of Feeding Webinar Series | Featuring Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons

Each month, NCI holds a new update in the Future of Feeding webinar series, which focuses on using innovation in the processing of animal food, the equipment being used, as well as using grains from our region for co-products. 

This month’s webinar, titled Aquafeeds: The Fastest Growing Demand for Grain of any Animal Feed, featured Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons. Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons is a past President of the World Aquaculture Society and a Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona. His research and extension work since 1981 at the University of Arizona have focused on improving the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in the US and abroad. 

This hour-long webinar focused on 3 main components. The first being a discussion about Commercial Fishing. He described this industry as one that is declining. He discussed the problems in this industry and how limited this industry truly is. Next Dr. Fitzsimmons went into great depth about Aquaculture. He discussed the problems within the industry but also how it is changing for the better. To finish off his presentation, Dr. Fitzsimmons discussed Aquafeeds. He discussed how rapidly this industry is changing to find nutritional alternatives. Dr. Fitzsimmons also pointed out that there are so many companies around the world that are working to make aquafeeds a sustainable industry. 

Dr. Fitzsimmons gave a statement to highlight some of the important key factors to take away from this webinar:

“Aquaculture has been the fastest growth sector in food production for the last 40 years.  The role of grains and beans replacing wild-caught fishmeal has been one of the key drivers of that increase.  Moving forward, value-added products of grains and beans are taking an even more central role in feeding aquatic livestock.   Production of ingredients for aquafeeds will be a bright spot for markets for many years to come.”

Northern Crops Institute greatly appreciates Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons involvement and input in our webinar. At NCI, we continue to work towards fulfilling our mission to support regional agriculture and value-added processing by conducting educational and technical programs that expand and maintain domestic and international markets for northern grown crops. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the innovative ideas of guest speakers like Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons.

If you’re interested in watching the recording of Dr. Fitzsimmons presentation, please click here.

For more information, please contact Krista Jansen at krista.j.jansen@ndsu.edu 

For more information about future webinars offered at NCI, click here.