Wheat Industry Taps into Aquaculture Through Global Fish Feed Markets

U.S. Wheat Associates is expanding into global fish feed markets, with early gains in South America and new opportunities emerging in Ecuador’s shrimp industry.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Wheat Associates is highlighting early success in a new and growing export channel: fish feed.

The organization says South America has become a “pioneer market” for wheat-based aquaculture feed products, with additional opportunity building in Southeast Asia as global fish production continues to expand.

Officials say demand is being driven by the growing aquaculture sector worldwide, which increasingly relies on wheat-based ingredients as a cost-effective feed component.

As exporters refine which wheat varieties perform best in aquaculture applications, U.S. Wheat Associates says those findings could open the door to broader adoption in additional international markets.

Industry leaders also point to Ecuador’s shrimp sector as a potential breakout opportunity for U.S. wheat, given the country’s strong and expanding aquaculture industry.

The group says that expanding into alternative demand channels, such as fish feed, could provide long-term market stability and new export growth for American wheat producers.

Related Stories
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Congressman Mark Messmer discusses the Farm Bill, rural investment priorities, Prop 12, and support for farmers facing economic pressure.
The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
RanchHERs Lyn & Sherrie Ray breed horses and raise cattle in New Mexico, while also helping to mentor the next generation of ag leaders
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.