S2 EP 38: Hard Oysters & Heavy Anchors: real-world advice on oyster gear with Ketcham Supply.

Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!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-ology00:35 Meet Heather Ketcham and Myron Horzesky03:24 Heather's Journey from Biotech to Aquaculture04:54 Myron's Early Days at Ketcham Supply06:53 The Evolution of Ketcham Supply10:53 Craftsmanship and Quality at Ketcham12:52 Building Relationships with Farmers17:05 Challenges and Successes in Oyster Farming20:17 Gender Equality in Oyster Farming20:34 Advice for Established Farmers22:23 Innovations in Bird Deterrence26:02 Challenges in Oyster Farming31:46 Labor Issues in the Industry34:49 Storefront and Product Range37:09 Shoreline Restoration Efforts38:01 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysLinks:Ketcham Supply Co.Heather Ketcham – ECSGA ProfileGuest: Heather Ketcham & Myron HorzeskyHost: Kevin CoxDigital Deckhand: Chet JiptySpecial thanks to Karen Hudson of VIMS for arranging recording studio space.Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!