We took time to catch up with a local family of 3 siblings that have started a new business venture – Family Ties Shrimp Farm.
Please tell us a little about yourself, family, and how Family Ties Shrimp Farm evolved?
"Our father, Jim McDonnell of McDonnell Excavating in Newcomerstown, has always been extremely innovative. About 15 years ago, he came up with the idea to raise freshwater shrimp for our family and close friends. Getting fresh seafood where we’re located is very difficult, and we have always appreciated where our food comes from. Harvest day became an event to look forward to as everyone brought a covered dish, and pitched in to help in any way possible. This might mean picking the leftover shrimp out of the mud or cleaning and putting them on ice. As time went by, and my siblings and I got older, he stopped raising shrimp. The funny thing about time is, it always seems to bring us back to where we started. After serving four years in the Army as a Cav Scout, my brother Connor now resides on the family farm. My sister Kassi has planted her roots with her husband and children in nearby Kimbolton, and I have a small farm just outside of Gnadenhutten. The three of us decided to make another go round of shrimp farming with the addition of making our product available to the public so you can enjoy it right along with us."
What is involved in the process of offering freshwater shrimp?
"Luckily for us, our dad had completed all of the base work. He dug a separate pond that tappers from 4 to 6 feet and added the proper drainage with standpipe. In addition, he provided a siphon from an existing pond, so that we are able to filter the water as we fill the shrimp pond. This keeps the pond free of any existing predators. The proper time for raising shrimp in Ohio is approximately 3 months. We like to joke by saying: ’We just throw them in, and pray for good weather for the next 3 months.’ There is truth in this because one cold snap, and we could lose everything. Wait, there is even more! The prawn are nocturnal, therefore they need to be fed each night so that they don’t start to feed on each other. Other variables include temperature, PH level, and oxygen content. These must all be monitored frequently. Once the growing period is up, we drain the entire pond with the anticipation of a full harvest.
How do we go about purchasing your freshwater shrimp?
Because this is our first year as siblings selling to the public; we have teamed up with EDS Ranch to help us sell our stock. Pre-sale is available right now on their WEBSITE which is www.edsranchllc.com. Our current target is to harvest on Sept. 19, as long as the weather remains cooperative. Visit our Facebook page – Family Ties Shrimp Farm for updates of our progress.
"With our first year selling to the public, we will have limited quantities and preorder is first come first-serve. There will be a refrigerated truck parked at Newcomerstown’s Cy Young Memorial Park for pick-up between 3 to 7 p.m., or until we sold out. We do recommend you bring a cooler with ice to keep your shrimp as fresh as possible during your travels home. Cost is $17 per pound. If you haven’t already done so, please visit Family Ties Shrimp Farm Facebook page. We offer a lot of good information, and will answer any questions you may have. The three of us are very excited about this new and exciting endeavor."
What would you like to highlight for us?
"Connor, Kassi and I would first like to thank our dad for providing us with such a unique opportunity, and allowing us to continue on with something he started so long ago. To our family and friends, and anyone attending a harvest in the past; thank you for being a part of such great memories. And to our future customers; know we intend to provide you with the freshest product possible, and thank you in advance for your support."
Kristie Wilkin
The Link LonkJuly 12, 2020 at 04:10PM
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What’s Your Biz: Family Ties Shrimp Farm - New Philadelphia Times Reporter
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