Bremen Local Forays Into the Shrimp Market
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Nathan Helmuth, owner of Sunrise Shrimp Farm in Bremen, is a living example of the following adage: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
From a young age, Helmuth was attracted to aquatic life, and wanted to pursue a job that would allow him to work in that field.
Ive always been fascinated with water testing, and Ive always wanted to grow shrimp, so I have found a job that is perfect for me, Helmuth says. Ive really been enjoying what I do. Its something that interests me, and I think there is also room for financial growth.
Helmuth says he spent a lot of time researching and building his system for growing shrimp.
Its a process that has to be done just right, he says. Its a biofloc technology system.
Biofloc technology involves a process of enhancing water quality, through the addition of carbon sources contained in feed or external carbon sources. It minimizes water exchange, and water usage, in aquaculture systems by maintaining adequate water quality.
I built a system that maintains the water quality for the shrimp, Helmuth says. The biofloc helps with the feed. It has to be perfect.
Helmuth only recently started his business, and has high hopes it will take off.
I can sell to anyone who buys shrimp, he says. Im selling retail now, but I would eventually really like to sell to the wholesale market in the future. I think there is a lot of good growth potential there. I think I can make that happen.
Helmuth says he always dreamed of having a business of his own.
Ive done a lot of reading and research about the shrimp-growing field, and I really checked it out, he says. I thought the time was just right to get my business started. I think word will grow about my shrimp farm when people find out how good the shrimp tastes.
Helmuth has been selling via retail to locals who have been pleased with his work.
Customers can take the shrimp for cookouts and camping trips, he says. Its really great for a family meal or a dinner.
Helmuth adds that customers are typically pleased that the shrimp is homemade.
The shrimp is a fresh, locally grown product that has absolutely no chemicals at all, he says. You know what you are getting, and you dont have to worry about all of those additives, preservatives and other things which are not good for you.
Helmuth says a lot of shrimp from Asia gets rejected from the United States Department of Agriculture.
The shrimp at Sunrise Shrimp Farm is as fresh as you are going to get, Helmuth says. I make sure of that every day.
Helmuth has a large tank that maintains the water quality.
My water tank holds 1,100 gallons of water and can hold 2,000 shrimp, Helmuth says. It takes a lot of water and oxygen to grow the shrimp. The process makes them taste very good later on when they are ready.
Helmuth says he loves living in Bremen.
Its really a great place to live, he says. Its a small town where people are very friendly and know how to help each other. Its also a very safe town.
Helmuth notes that people in the area have responded to his business positively, and he thinks that will help him expand his business.
If I can get people talking about the freshness, and how it is locally grown, I think Ill be in really good shape, he says. I just need to spread the word. Im more excited each day about growing shrimp. A lot of these other markets with shrimp are fading out. Im hoping to be able to just keep growing and offer a great product. If I can do that, then Im all set.
To find out more about Sunrise Shrimp Farm, located 13091 Tyler Road in Bremen, contact Helmuth at 574-529-2413.
