The Life Of A Fish Farmer

Today is just one of those days where you would simply look back and thank God for everything. I was contacted by a friend to assist with a fish sorting as his customer's concrete pond broke, and he needed to sort the fish urgently.

We decided to come early, so we arrived early at the farm. We were supposed to sort about five fish ponds, so we decided and planned on where to begin. On the first and second ponds, we started by draining their water, and we were able to see the different sizes. We had about 3 different sizes (table size, malenge size, and the small size).

We began sorting the fish into the three sizes, and when done, we poured the table size in one pond and the malenge size in the second available pond. The smallest sizes were placed in some plastic containers (we call baff in Nigeria).

During this process, we had already opened the drainage of the other third and fourth ponds, but it was opened a little, and once we were done with ponds 1 and 2, we had to open the drainage of pond 3 fully, and when it was completely drained, that was when we could see the different sizes and make a decision on how to share them.

Ponds 3 and 4 had only two different sizes, so it was quick and easy to sort this (note: the small sizes from the plastic container were added to pond 3), and once done, we had to focus on the last pond, 5. The last pond 5 was the most difficult as it had also 3 different sizes, and that meant we had to be faster with the sorting as it had the smallest size of them all, which has the highest mortality rate.

Because we are dealing with smaller fish sizes, once the plastic container (baff) is filled with the smallest size, we have to stop sorting and move them to their separate ponds (not among the 5 ponds mentioned). We keep repeating this process to avoid mortality, and this was really stressful, but safer for the fish. Eventually, we were able to complete the sorting process, and I had to take some pics to capture the moments.

As someone very new to the business, I am seeing this experience as my journey process and I am learning alot as I grow, and growing is a continuous process. Being able to watch, experience, and learn from other farmers is a great privilege, and I am really grateful for such experiences.

The life of a farmer is challenging, yet rewarding and fulfilling. To succeed, you must be hardworking and diligent. Also, time and resources are continuously invested if you want to grow. Stay consistent and keep growing and improving.

Just incase you don't know the name of my farm is Hy-breeder. Thank you.