Hankinson FFA member Adryanna Stirling applied for a $1,000 grant to raise tilapia for her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). “Fishing is my hobby, and I wanted a great source of food,” she says.
The grant application process was challenging for her. She initially applied for a National FFA SAE Grant but was denied. Undeterred, she then applied through the North Dakota FFA Foundation and secured a $1,000 grant.
Stirling plans to raise the fish at the Hankinson FFA agriculture building in two thoroughly cleaned chem totes. She let the water sit for a few days to ensure all chemicals and bleach had dissipated, thus creating a safe environment for the fish to grow.
“I designed an irrigation system that will flow into a 55-gallon tank to regulate the water,” Stirling says.
Stirling will monitor the water temperature as the fish grows, keeping it within the optimal range of 75-85°F for tilapia. She will also maintain proper pH levels (between 6.5 and 8.5) while minimizing ammonia levels. The nitrate levels will be kept between 20-80 PPM to support a healthy aquatic environment.
Additionally, she will provide adequate aeration and circulation to ensure proper oxygen flow. The fish will receive a high-protein diet to promote growth and will be fed twice daily. A high-quality filtration system will also be in place to maintain water quality and remove harmful substances from the tank.
