The First Commercially Available Aquaculture 3.0 Feed Profile
In 1984, David McFarland turned a section of the Susan River spring into a closed-loop, carbon-neutral haven for the once endangered Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout. As a biologist, McFarland knew the impact of overfishing on the planet’s oceans, and saw that sustainable aquaculture was the only solution to protect the planet, and keep enjoying the Omega-rich seafood we love.
Raised on the only (to our knowledge) 100% fish-free feed, made of plant proteins like pistachio (no corn, no soy), DHA-rich algae and flax oil. That choice alone spares ~7 million sardines and anchovies every year, breaking the industry’s 1-to-1 “fish in : fish out” cycle, and leaving vital forage fish in the sea for penguins, whales and tuna. For people, the algae oil and flax means Omega3s without reliance on fishmeal.
Gravity-fed spring water powers the farm’s turbines, flows through low-density raceways, then irrigates meadow grasses. No pumps, no discharge, zero chance of escape. The result are fish packed with omega-3s, contaminants, with sweet flesh and shatter-crisp skin chefs love. More so, McFarland Springs is proof that land-based aquaculture and alternative, species-appropriate feeds can heal ecosystems while putting a true super-food on the plate.
Spring-fed from the Susan River. Zero-waste and carbon neutral.
The spring serves a dual purpose: it sustains the trout while powering the farm entirely through hydroelectricity. Once the trout have been nourished, the water flows onward into the meadow, supporting the growth of sagebrush and grasses. Because the system is fully contained, there is no risk of the trout entering the surrounding environment.
A new wave of feed and nutrition
Most other trout farms aim to achieve a 1:1 fish in fish out ratio. That means for every 1lb of fish (usually fishmeal, anchovy, or trim) used in feed, 1lb of fish can be grown. McFarland Springs is able to raise trout on zero wild fish inputs, instead relying on a species-appropriate vegetarian diet based on algae oil, pistachio, pea and flax. We call this a fish-free feed, and a true representation of our vision for Aquaculture 3.0.
from McFarland Springs
Rainbow Trout
McFarland Springs raises Eagle Lake rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a freshwater species native to California that has historically been overfished in the area.
We like them grilled whole, smoked, or baked in the oven en papillote - wrapped in butcher paper and aromatics like lemon, rosemary and sea salt.
Juicy, applewood-smoked trout dogs, loaded with flavor and Omega-3s
Fish-Free Feed and Aquaculture 3.0
McFarland Springs trout feed on a custom recipe in a world of their own, comprised of proteins from pea, pistachio, and barley, and rich in omega-3 DHA from algae. McFarland's feed profile provides the same vitamins and nutrients as conventional feed ingredients but without the heavy metals and toxicity risk.
Developed over a decade in partnership with Dr. Rick Barrows (PhD), the world-leading authority in fish nutrition. Barrows has spent a career pioneering the complete replacement of wild-caught fish meal with sustainable alternatives while ensuring trout health, growth, and product quality remain uncompromised. Through cutting-edge research in ingredient innovation, nutrient optimization, and feed technology, Rick and the McFarland Springs team have set the standard for sustainable aquaculture feed development globally.