One of the really great things about being in the real estate business is that no two days are alike. Today we spent the early afternoon hours outside in the cool clean mountain air learning about trout farming at the 
Cantrell Creek Trout Farm just outside Brevard, North Carolina. This family owned trout farm has been supplying restaurants, and other business with rainbow and brown trout for years. But, it's for sale now, and we spent the time with the seller and his dog Max learning about the workings of the farm and taking photographs and footage for a promotional video we're going to put together for him.
It was fascinating to see how the farm works, from where the little hatchlings begin until they are ready for sale, something that takes about year. I learned that trout grow about 1/4" a month so it takes time for one of these guys to get big enough for resale. It's not a a 9-5 job (it's actually a lot less on a daily basis) and it's not a particularly high tech business but you need to know a little about maintaining equipment. In can, though, reap a tidy living and give you a great deal of freedom to connect with your inner entrepreneur.
This is the race way which is a series of staggered tanks where the trout hang out while they grow up. As they get larger, they graduate to the next tank until they reach the end of the race way, all grown up and ready for the big world. I also learned today that it's the brown trout that is native to this area. While the rainbow trout with it's beautiful jewel tone skin and tasty meat is certainly plentiful in the rivers around Brevard, it is an import that was introduced years ago to our waters.
Admittedly, agri-business isn't for everyone. It's a lifestyle. But as we walked around the farm, our dog Ace joined Max, racing up and down the road and when we reached the headwaters that connect to the river, both dogs took the opportunity for a splash. Ace in particular loves getting in any river. I looked around the peaceful setting, appreciating the quiet surrounding woods and thought what an interesting and fullfilling life this could be for the right buyer.
The Cantrell Creek Trout Farm, which includes the trout farm, a greenhouse, and a home, sits on 10 acres surrounded by 800+ acres of land that is part of a conservancy so it will never be developed. It's the kind of place that Robert and I really enjoy and if you're giving directions you might be saying "When you think you've gone to far, you're there". But the farm is only 12 miles from town so you can enjoy your privacy, but not have to pack a lunch when you head to town for groceries. Besides, you always have dinner right at hand when you live on a trout farm!
If you'd like to know more about the trout farm, give us a call at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291 or visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.com.
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