Episode 38: Hard Oysters & Heavy Anchors: real-world advice on oyster gear with Ketcham Supply.

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In this engaging episode of OYSTER-ology, my guests, Heather Ketcham and Myron Horzesky, discuss their journey at Ketcham Supply, a key player in the oyster farming industry. Heather shares her transition from biotech to taking over the family business, founded by her father Bob Ketcham, while Myron recounts his long history with the company starting as a teenager. They discuss the innovations and challenges they've faced, including the move from paper to digital records, the creation of bespoke oyster farming equipment, and tackling issues like bird contamination on oyster cages. Our conversation also explores the close-knit relationships they've developed with farmers and the ways in which they collaboratively innovate to improve efficiency and productivity in oyster farming. They emphasize the importance of understanding site-specific needs and starting small to ensure sustainable growth. We discuss innovation, sustainability, regional challenges, and how feedback from growers drives design and refinement. It’s a story about collaboration between factory and farm, and how the unseen hardware of aquaculture shapes the shellfish we taste.

00:00 Introduction to OYSTER-ology

00:35 Meet Heather Ketcham and Myron Horzesky

03:24 Heather's Journey from Biotech to Aquaculture

04:54 Myron's Early Days at Ketcham Supply

06:53 The Evolution of Ketcham Supply

10:53 Craftsmanship and Quality at Ketcham

12:52 Building Relationships with Farmers

17:05 Challenges and Successes in Oyster Farming

20:17 Gender Equality in Oyster Farming

20:34 Advice for Established Farmers

22:23 Innovations in Bird Deterrence

26:02 Challenges in Oyster Farming

31:46 Labor Issues in the Industry

34:49 Storefront and Product Range

37:09 Shoreline Restoration Efforts

38:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links:

• Ketcham Supply Co.
• Heather Ketcham – ECSGA Profile

Guest: Heather Ketcham & Myron Horzesky

Host: Kevin Cox

Digital Deckhand: Chet Jipty

Special thanks to Karen Hudson of VIMS for arranging recording studio space.

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