Episode 32: Of Oysters, Cheese and Aquaculture: A Conversation with Justin Trosclair of Lady Nellie Oyster Farm

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The confluence of Oysters and Cheese, with Justin Trosclair of Lady Nellie Oyster Farm

In this episode of OYSTER-ology, Kevin sits down with Justin Trosclair from Lady Nelly Oyster Farm to explore his fascinating journey from cheese-making to oyster farming. Justin shares his unconventional entry into the world of oysters and how a chance encounter with some outstanding Grand Isle oysters ignited his passion. He discusses the intricacies of running a small-scale oyster farm and his innovative solutions to farming hurdles. They also discuss the nuances of terroir and merroir, and how they impact the flavors of cheese and oysters respectively.Throughout the conversation, the parallels between cheese making and oyster farming are highlighted, revealing how both crafts rely on natural processes to achieve extraordinary flavors.

00:00 Introduction: Cheese and Oysters

00:18 Guest Introduction: Justin Trosclair

00:37 Justin's Background in Food Industry

01:41 The Spark: Discovering Oysters

02:33 Transition to Oyster Farming

04:04 Life as an Oyster Farmer

06:44 Challenges and Innovations in Oyster Farming

11:30 Farm Setup and Operations

18:39 Oyster Quality and Market

23:19 Health and Safety Concerns

26:23 Balancing the Risks of Eating Oysters

28:33 Event Catering and Jazz Fest Success

29:10 Challenges of Offering Farm Tours

30:17 The New Guarde of Oyster Farming

30:46 From Cheese to Oysters: A Unique Journey

31:29 The Art and Science of Cheese Making

37:10 Cheese and Oysters: A Surprising Pairing

44:35 Biggest Challenges and Triumphs in Oyster Farming

47:41 Future Goals and Reflections

Links:

Lady Nellie Oyster Farm’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladynellieoysterfarm/

Grand Isle , LA Information website: https://www.explorelouisiana.com/cities/grand-isle

New Orleans JazzFest 2026: https://www.nojazzfest.com/

Little Moon Oysters website: https://www.littlemoonoysters.com/

The Wandering Shuckers website: https://www.thewanderingshuckers.co/

Little Debbie Snack Cakes website: https://www.littledebbie.com/

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