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Our Accomplishments and Achievements

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  • Forging Strategic Alliances in the Home Improvement Sector: Innovations in Organic Fish Fertilizer Research

    • Towards the end of 2019, a significant opportunity arose when Home Depot, globally recognized as a giant in the hardware and home improvement industry, initiated discussions with us regarding our organic fish fertilizer. It was both an honor and a privilege to engage with such a prominent company, providing us with a unique insight into the workings of a major retail player.

    • Our focus is currently directed towards rigorous research, aimed at substantiating the claims about our organic fertilizer's quality and identifying its contents for safe public distribution. Given the high demand for fish fertilizer, largely due to its rich organic ammonia content, this is a crucial step.

    • While we are exploring the market possibilities, our main commitment remains the cultivation of high-quality fish. The intricacies of fertilizer packaging and marketing are not our top priority at this moment. We believe that securing expert legal guidance is essential to maintain our competitive edge in production and product analysis. Consequently, a brand licensing agreement appears to be an effective strategy for us, aligning with our current objectives and capabilities.

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  • Strategic Military Partnership and Quality Commitment in Supplying Steelhead Rainbow Trout for MREs

    • As we transition into the critical stages of our project, our focus on strategic and decisive action becomes more pronounced. In 2020, we marked a significant achievement by securing a multi-year, comprehensive supply contract with the United States Military. This pivotal contract designates our company as one of the providers of fish-based meal solutions to AmeriQual Packaging, a leader in military meal preparation and production.

    • Our role in this partnership is to supply our fish. Our Steelhead Rainbow Trout! AmeriQual Packaging, renowned for their expertise, will handle the meticulous preparation, packaging, and distribution of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) pouches. We have consented to an optional initial order of 500,000 packages. In practical terms, this translates to the utilization of 150,000 fish from our cultivated stocks. Originally scheduled for September 4th, 2023, the quality inspection for this significant order has been rescheduled to Monday, May 6th, 2024, allowing us additional time to enhance our processes.

    • During this interim period, we are diligently working towards achieving an Organic Food Grade Certification. This certification will not only attest to the quality of our products but also position us favorably in the prime retail market, enhancing our visibility and appeal to discerning consumers. Our commitment to excellence and adherence to stringent quality standards underlines our dedication to this venture and our partnership with the military.​

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  • Enhancing Medical Research through Pure Fish Bloodline Contributions 

    • Our company is at the forefront of contributing to groundbreaking medical research, particularly in the realm of autoimmune diseases. We are honored to collaborate with esteemed organizations such as the ALS Foundation and the ACA Foundation, known for their dedicated efforts in advancing medical science. Our role in this collaboration involves providing research samples from our fish stock, specifically chosen for their pure bloodline and high-quality attributes.

    • Our engagement with these foundations is a testament to our commitment to supporting critical health research initiatives. The ALS Foundation, with its focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and the ACA Foundation, known for its research in a spectrum of autoimmune conditions, have both recognized the value of our contributions. By providing them with samples from our meticulously bred fish, we are aiding in the exploration of new treatments and therapies for some of the most challenging autoimmune diseases.

    • The medical community, including numerous doctors and research laboratories worldwide, has identified Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids as pivotal in combating severe autoimmune disorders. These findings underscore the importance of having access to clean, organic fish sources like ours, as they provide essential nutrients crucial for those battling life-threatening illnesses. Our commitment to maintaining the purity and organic integrity of our fish ensures that we are not only delivering a superior product but also playing a vital role in the larger context of health and wellness research.

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  • Navigating Complex Negotiations with the CDC: A Cautionary Tale in Aquaculture Collaboration

    • In June 2020, amidst the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we received a pivotal communication from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), involving a conference call with Gilead Sciences. This crucial meeting was convened to discuss the potential applications of our fish in pharmaceutical research and development, a field known for its substantial profitability and innovation.

    • The dialogue centered on the unique direction we envisioned for our fish stocks, specifically tailored for medical research purposes. This proposed agreement with the CDC and Gilead Sciences indicated an exclusive production arrangement, exempting us from certain health regulations typically applicable to food products, as our fish were to be exclusively used for research.

    • During our discussions, we explored the possibility of expanding our production to meet the specific needs of the CDC and Gilead. It became apparent that this would be a dedicated production agreement, focusing solely on supplying our aquaculture products for their research initiatives.

    • Our proprietary pisciculture formula has shown promising results in impeding the progression of COVID-19, effective in both the initial and subsequent stages of the virus. This development sparked a keen interest from the CDC, leading to discussions about enhancing our collaborative efforts with the ALS Foundation. The CDC is eager to explore additional avenues of cooperation, leveraging our expertise and unique fish stocks to advance medical research and development in the fight against COVID-19 and other health challenges.

    • Our company's contribution to medical research, particularly through the provision of our high-quality fish samples, has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. This recognition has led to a multitude of requests for samples from various entities. However, our commitment to ethical collaboration means we selectively partner only with organizations that share our values of integrity and purposeful research. We have a firm stance against profiteering and price gouging, ensuring that our actions align with our principles.

    • To safeguard our brand and uphold our ethical standards, we have cultivated a robust legal partnership akin to having an 'Avenger'-like counsel. This strong legal support is vital in protecting our brand against any entities with misaligned intentions.

    • The research underscoring the direct benefits of consuming organic omega fatty acids is compelling. Our fish, when consumed in portion sizes suitable for consumers, offer the equivalent nutritional value of 24 omega fatty acid pills. While this research validates the efficacy of omega fatty acids, the trend of replacing fish consumption with pill ingestion is a challenge we view with caution. We acknowledge that there are pill manufacturers, such as Juice Plus, who maintain high standards in producing quality, organic vitamins. Nevertheless, our focus remains on promoting the natural consumption of fish as a direct and beneficial source of these essential nutrients.

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  • Revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture: Our Inclusion in the World Food Program’s Elite Circle

    • In the summer of 2022, I reached a pivotal moment in my journey towards revolutionizing food production. I received an extraordinary inquiry from the World Food Program (WFP), a leading global organization dedicated to combating hunger. The WFP presented me with a unique challenge: to develop and present a proof of concept through a PowerPoint presentation. This presentation was to illustrate how my innovative approach to agriculture could significantly contribute to global food manufacturing efforts.

    • My task was to demonstrate the efficacy and future potential of my vertical farming techniques, a forward-thinking approach that differs markedly from traditional lateral farming methods. This concept, while advanced and not widely understood, represents a crucial evolution in sustainable food production.

    • Despite the initial complexity of my methods and calculations, which initially seemed challenging for the WFP team to grasp, I engaged in an extensive two-day presentation at the WFP USA Headquarters in Washington D.C. My efforts were met with success, leading to my prestigious inclusion in the WFP. This achievement places me among an elite group of 318 companies worldwide recognized for their contributions to global food solutions.

    • My approach to tackling generational challenges in agriculture adheres strictly to the established rules and regulations. As a new player in the livestock farming industry, I face numerous financial temptations from various foundations and corporations. However, my vision extends beyond immediate monetary gains, focusing instead on the broader impact of my work.

    • My personal journey deeply resonated with the WFP. Born in Sarajevo and having endured the harrowing experience of being a POW during the Bosnian war, I benefitted firsthand from the WFP's aid. This experience has come full circle as I now contribute to the same program. My diverse background, including being multi-lingual, scoring a 136 on an IQ test, and successfully completing the (BFTC) with the FBI, has been a life dedicated service and assistance.

    • My path, marked by resilience and a clear commitment to helping others, has not only forged valuable friendships but also inspired a dedicated team pushing my mission forward.

    • I take immense pride in being one of only 318 companies globally to be a part of the World Food Program, a testament to my commitment to innovative, sustainable food production and a brighter future for all.

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  • Unexpected Alliance: Charting a New Course in Aquaculture​

    • In the intricate world of commercial aquaculture, the genetic testing of our fish has been more than a mere procedural step – it's been a crucial, groundbreaking endeavor. This process, which began in November 2022, was crucial for preserving pristine breeds and ancient bloodlines, but faced delays due to severe weather, pushing the testing to mid-September 2023. This was not just about meeting livestock entry license requirements; it turned out to be a journey of discovery.

    • The results of this genetic testing were nothing short of remarkable. My fish showed a genetic purity of 99.819714%, far surpassing my initial expectations of around 80%. This wasn't just a triumph in our quest to sustain a lineage of exceptional quality. It also met the USDA's stringent criteria for 'Choice' classification, which demands being in the top 15 percentile in gene clarity. Even more impressively, we met the top 5 percentile requirement for 'Sushi grade' certification.

    • Our journey to genetic excellence led me to an unexpected yet invaluable ally – the Spokane Tribe of Washington State. This partnership began through a serendipitous connection: a University of Wisconsin college friend, of Native American heritage, saw a candid Facebook post about the struggles my farm was enduring, from COVID-19 impacts to regulatory challenges in Illinois. He put me in touch with the Spokane Tribe, renowned for their centuries-old tradition of cultivating Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a lineage dating back to the late 1700s.

    • Working with the Spokane Tribe, a friendship was forged that went beyond mere collaboration. They provided invaluable guidance in nurturing our multi-brood stockers, helping us navigate Illinois's complex regulatory landscape. This partnership proved to be a beacon of resilience and innovation, helping us to contend with state officials and inspectors who often seemed more obstructive than helpful.

    • This friendship with the Spokane Tribe has been a cornerstone of strength. Their wisdom and experience in sustainable fish farming have been instrumental in helping us overcome bureaucratic hurdles and operational challenges. Their support has enabled us to continue setting new standards in aquaculture.

    • As someone outside their heritage, I'm deeply humbled by the Spokane Tribe's generosity. Their long-standing expertise has not only been beneficial to their community but has also set a benchmark for us at my farm. This collaboration, born from shared vision and serendipity, has been crucial in reinforcing my farm's commitment to sustainable and innovative aquaculture practices. It stands as a testament to the power of community, connection, and the enduring spirit of cooperation in overcoming significant challenges.

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  • What's Next​

    • As we gear up for a momentous chapter in our journey, the focus shifts to an intricate and highly personal task: the relocation of our fish to their new home. This step, crucial to our operation, is not just another task; it's a leap towards realizing a long-cherished dream.

    • I am currently in the throes of preparing for a significant undertaking – retrieving our fish from a Native American tribal reservation facility, a daunting 1,800 miles away. This translates to a 36-hour drive, a journey too complex and precious to entrust to others, despite the hefty price tag of $15K per load for external transportation. As someone who likes to be in control, I’ve chosen to personally handle the transport.

    • The logistics are complex and meticulously planned. All necessary paperwork and permits are in place, and I'm awaiting the final clearance from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). My preparation involves ensuring that every aspect of the drive is accounted for, but the enormity of the task didn't hit me until recently. The trip requires stopping every two hours to swap out oxygen tanks, a logistical challenge akin to transporting explosives. To navigate this, I've coordinated with individuals along the route via Facebook, arranging tank refills at strategic points.

    • However, the journey is laden with challenges. Each stop, necessary for swapping tanks, takes about three hours, and I can transport a maximum of 1200 fish per trip due to equipment limitations. The weight of the water, filters, tanks, and trailer totals 35,000lbs, a hefty load even for a robust truck. This necessitates an arduous 3,600-mile round trip, repeated 12 times, demanding meticulous attention to detail – from equipment checks to spare parts. I've even invested in new tires, brakes, and maintenance for my truck and trailer to minimize any risk of mechanical failures.

    • On a more personal note, I'm still nursing a recovering hand and recently endured a facial injury from a lumber accident, adding to the physical demands of the task.

    • The stakes are high, as the fish can't survive more than three hours without oxygen. This means navigating potential road delays or mechanical issues within a tight three-hour window to prevent any loss. My preparation includes a multi-layered contingency plan, utilizing various phones linked to different carriers for real-time updates on traffic, weather, and emergency services. This intricate setup is crucial for monitoring traffic conditions, weight stations, and even flight paths.

    • In an unexpected twist, my initial oversight in purchasing a 32ft trailer instead of a 40ft one has become advantageous, sparing me from on-road DOT inspections. Yet, there’s always the concern of unpredictable police stops.

    • This entire endeavor is a mix of excitement, anxiety, and determination. The inability to afford hotel stays means constant vigilance beside the fish, monitoring the Bluetooth-connected sensors. It’s a solitary task – one I must undertake alone. When challenges arise, it’s on me to resolve them. This responsibility is immense, but it's a path I've chosen, driven by a commitment to see this through, no matter the personal cost.

    • I've always believed that if something goes wrong, I'd rather it be on my terms. If I fail while doing it myself, I'll know how to fix it and prevent it from happening again. These 3,600-mile trips, with 3-hour refills and rotations, will take me 7-8 days each to complete. I have to do this 12 times. The thought is daunting – I'm scared, nervous, anxious, but also excited. This long road has finally led us to this crucial moment. It's a do-or-die situation, a time to put everything on the line. Twelve trips, each lasting 8 days. It's a monumental task, but one that I'm ready to tackle head-on.

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