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Imagine arriving at a spot in the mountains over 40 years ago. Little was there, and the slopes were steep. After clearing the initial ground, you began dairy farming, gradually adding cows to the 'family' as the years passed by. Over time, you developed a fondness for fish and learned how to nurture them. It all started with a small tank, where the first trout began swimming their rounds.
Welcome to Yarumal, Colombia - a place high up in the mountains, sitting at 2200m above sea level, where the farm of Luis and his family lies. The area is wide open, covering a total of 46 square kilometers. Getting there is a challenge, as the roads are unpaved and rough. However, as you witness the lush green landscape, the passing clouds, and the grazing cows, you begin to understand why Luis chose this particular patch of land.
One could easily be enchanted by this scenery. Yet, the current stars of this farm are the trout. Serenely gliding through the water, the backs of hundreds, even thousands - most of them black - stand out in the basins.
When they arrive at the farm, they are no larger than 2-3cm. These first months are spent in the ’Kindergarden’ before being counted and moved to subsequent basins.
The conditions are crucial for these delicate creatures. The air temperature should range between 14 and 28 degrees year-round, while the water temperature needs to be precise, between 8-9 degrees. The water quality is continuously monitored, and the behavior of the trout can provide direct insight into their well-being.
The right feed is equally essential for a thriving trout farm. A tasty and protein-rich diet is provided, with a content of 48% for the younger trout.
If only we could effortlessly connect the dots in this world, then one could cautiously relocate the swarms of trout from this and other farms to Lake Titicaca, where the population has declined significantly during the last 10 years. Where there's a will, there's a way...
