BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A fish farm facility in south-central Idaho will be converted into an egg production facility, the new owner says.
Officials with Troutlodge Inc. said work will start next week on converting the former Canyon Trout Farm west of Twin Falls into producing eggs.
The Idaho Business Review reports that the Sumner, Wash.-based Troutlodge Inc. supplies eggs to fish farms in 60 countries.
Wally McRoberts, site general manager, said the Twin Falls facility will produce most of the eggs the company supplies to the U.S., including fish farms in south-central Idaho.
He said the facility will allow the company to increase egg production by 10 percent while also reducing shipping costs.
McRoberts said two buildings will be demolished and ground will be excavated in another area for six new fish raceways where fish are raised. Initially, he said, the facility will have 12 raceways, including six already in place. Eventually, the facility will have 20 raceways.
Work on an incubation building is planned to begin in early August. That facility will have equipment to cool water for egg production.
The company bought the trout farm early this year from Delbert and Patti Kluntz.
The facility will be the third trout egg hatchery in south-central Idaho. It will also be the largest.
Jan Roeser, Idaho Department of Labor economist, said 18 aquaculture employers operate in south-central Idaho, producing 73 percent of the nation's trout for food consumption.
