A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Checking in...

I have been living in Oregon, specifically on the coast, now since about March. It has a considerably different climate from where I was in Washington. It has a pretty steady breeze, and rarely gets very warm or very cold. I will learn more this winter.

I will be building a greenhouse I expect this next year or so. I am thinking about a 15 x 50 heated by my distillery and a bio-digester and the methane it will produce.

I tried some outdoor gardening this spring and summer. What the deer and elk didn't eat the mold from the constant fog and mist took care of. On the other hand, berries do well here. Huckleberries, blackberries, salal, blueberries, cranberries, and it appears most fruit trees a little more inland do pretty well.

I am pretty sure a greenhouse here will do well, with a little light augmentation for certain species.

It has been a challenge getting used to the slower pace here. I am used to getting things done, and that is not an attitude reflected by many in my near vicinity. Kind of surreal in many respects.

Distillery is nearly up and running, nearing completion on an SBIR grant application for CO2 recovery and spent wash recycling, and finishing up my business plan for the two ventures. I am hoping next year is fruitful in comparison to the preparation period of this year.

How are everyone else's plans coming along? Any interesting achievements? Any ideas or theories on making year round cultivation and aquaponics more economically viable in our climate? I would like to hear from some like minds...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Phil Slaton on September 1, 2013 at 5:18am

Good to read a post from you Rick. I am behind the knowledge curve, ,what businesses are you setting up there and why did you move to the coast to execute them?

Happy Labor Day.

Phil Slaton

Poulsbo, WA

Permalink Reply by Rick Stillwagon on September 1, 2013 at 10:01am

I have just finished setting up and getting the majority if my licenses for a craft distillery. I am also applying for an SBIR grant to study and develop a system that captures the CO2 and spent wash (waste water) and recycles them. The goal is as close to a zero waste stream as possible.

Fermentation and distillation produce a significant amount of CO2 and waste water. For every pound of ethanol produced, the process generates 1-2 pounds of CO2 and 5-10 pounds of waste water.

The industry doesn't find it economically viable to capture or reclaim this waste until about 10,000 barrels of product are being produced.

So I believe I have a feasible plan to turn these liabilities into assets. A side benefit will be using the waste heat to heat my greenhouse.

I picked Oregon because the laws concerning craft distilleries are more small business friendly. Oregon also has a stronger support network for "green" business practices. The local SBDC office has approved of my plan and is providing a grant writer to apply for an SBIR grant through the USDA. The SBDC is also helping me develop my business plan and seek additional and alternative funding.

Permalink Reply by Phil Slaton on September 1, 2013 at 10:04am

Impressive!

Permalink Reply by Lloyd Booth on September 1, 2013 at 3:48pm

I am pleased that things are moving forward for you. It sounds like you have a very forward looking business plan and should prosper in Oregon.

I'd like to visit, if I may, when I head south to visit my daughter next month, or on the return trip. Do you have the book "Alcohol Is A Gas"? I've misplaced my copy, but it's around here somewhere. I'll bring it if you DON'T have a copy. You have my email address if you need it.

Permalink Reply by Rick Stillwagon on September 2, 2013 at 5:36pm

Hi Lloyd, I do not have that book, so if you would like to bring it by when you visit that would be great.