The First Commercially Available Aquaculture 3.0 Feed Profile
In 1984, biologist David McFarland turned a section of a Susanville, California spring into a closed-loop, carbon-neutral haven for the once-endangered Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout. Recognizing the devastating impact of overfishing on the planet’s oceans, McFarland knew that sustainable land-based aquaculture was the only way to protect marine ecosystems while continuing to enjoy the Omega-rich seafood we love. Today, this land has been kept in the family for seven generations, operating as the smallest commercial fish farm in California—tucked away in a wild valley with under 50,000 fish.
McFarland Springs trout are raised on the only 100% fish-free feed of its kind, formulated from plant proteins like pistachio (with zero corn and zero soy), DHA-rich algae, and flax oil. In 2009, a radical idea was brought to the farm: a non-fishmeal diet where the fish never eat fish. This breakthrough choice alone spares approximately 7 million sardines and anchovies every single year. By completely shattering the aquaculture industry’s traditional 1-to-1 “fish in: fish out” cycle, we leave vital forage fish in the sea for wild penguins, whales, and tuna, while delivering pure, heavy-metal-free Omega-3s straight to your plate.
Spring-Fed from the Susan River: Zero-Waste and Carbon Neutral
Rule number one in California farming: it’s all about the water. At McFarland Springs, our water is completely wild - surfacing straight from an on-site mountain spring at a pristine 40–60°F year-round, protected by historic presidential water rights.
Driven entirely by gravity, this pure spring water serves a dual purpose:
- Off-Grid Hydropower: The natural rushing flow generates enough electricity to power the entire farm.
- Natural Oxygenation: Man-made waterfalls naturally oxygenate the water without overpowering the trout—and it's clean enough to drink straight from the source.
After nourishing the trout in low-density raceways, the water flows onward to irrigate wild meadow grasses. This fully contained, land-based system uses no pumps, creates no chemical discharge, and poses zero risk of fish escape.
The Future of Aquaculture Feed
McFarlands Springs' Trout thrive on a highly efficient vegetarian diet and a feed conversion ratio of around 1.3, making them far more resource-efficient than most traditional Californian livestock. The result is contaminant-free superfood, packed with clean Omega-3s, and shatter-crisp skin that chefs love. McFarland Springs is living proof that land-based aquaculture can regenerate wild ecosystems, all while putting a premium superfood on your plate.
from McFarland Springs
Rainbow Trout
McFarland Springs raises authentic Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a freshwater species native to California that has historically suffered from severe overfishing.
Their fish is much like an heirloom tomato - because they are raised in small batches, every single trout is unique.
Culinary Note: We love our Rainbow Trout grilled whole, smoked, or baked in the oven en papillote - wrapped in butcher paper with simple aromatics like lemon, fresh 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, proprietary recipe consisting of clean plant proteins from pea, pistachio, and barley - enriched with vital omega-3 DHA from algae oil. This precise feed profile provides the exact same micronutrients, vitamins, and healthy fats as conventional fishmeal, but completely eliminates the risk of bioaccumulated heavy metals, microplastics, and toxins.
For over ten years, McFarland Springs has partnered with Dr. Rick Barrows (PhD)—the world’s leading authority on fish nutrition—to perfect this revolutionary diet. By blending ingredient innovation with nutrient optimization, the farm ensures the trout’s health and culinary excellence remain uncompromised—defining the new global benchmark for Aquaculture 3.0.