In February Melick Aquafeed mill in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was destroyed by fire, leaving local hatcheries scrambling for feed. Melick Vice President Michele Masala, told Central Daily that a half to two thirds of the state’s 159 cooperative trout nurseries get their trout feed from Melick. They are also a regular supplier of trout feed for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which budgets approximately $1.5 million for fish food each year. According to Brian McHail, who oversees all cooperative nurseries for the Fish and Boat Commission, the fire should not be a problem for all co-ops, however, as they are near the end of the feeding cycle. Most of the trout that are being raised will be stocked in March, April and May.
Zeigler Brothers is the only other feed producer in the state, with two manufacturing facilities in southcentral Pennsylvania, and where most hatcheries are turning to meet the shortfall. While prices are higher, they are less expensive than out of state suppliers.
“We deeply regretted getting the news of the fire at Melick, and we are glad that everyone is safe,” said Chris Stock, global director of Aquaculture Sales at Zeigler Brothers Inc.
“We know these people and they are part of the small family of fish food producers. They reached out to us when we experienced a fire 13 years ago, and Matt and Tim Zeigler reached out to Melick after this fire,” told the newspaper.
“We work in an industry where the animals have to be fed and we will do what we can to see that happen,” Stock said. “Zeigler has extra capacity to produce more fish food and increase our stock. I don’t think that there will be a shortage, but it is too early to tell. The lead time for orders might be increased and logistics will have to be worked out.
Melick has yet to decide if they will rebuild but if they do, it could be two years before they are back in business.
