Grassyfork FisheriesGrassyfork Fisheries

Grassyfork Fisheries

Grassyfork Fisheries was established in 1899 by Eugene Shireman in Martinsville, Indiana.

Shireman inherited swampy land in Martinsville that was ill-suited for farming and at the time goldfish were gaining popularity within the United States. The first goldfish had arrived from China around 20 years prior and there were limited sources within the United States.

Grassyfork FisheriesGrassyfork Fisheries

In 1902, Shireman purchased 200 breeding goldfish to start his farm. He then sold the offspring to businesses and retail stores. He had success and was able to purchase surrounding farmland to expand his business.

Grassyfork Fisheries became one of the largest goldfish hatcheries in the world and put Martinsville, Indiana on the map with the nickname of "Goldfish Capitol of the World."

Shireman ran the farm until the 1940s, when Standley Byrum took over the business. In 1970, Byrum sold Grassyfork to Ozark Fisheries where the farm still continued to produce and sell millions of fish every year.

In 2012, the Morgan County Historical Preservation Society worked to have the historic Grassyfork office building listed on the National Register of historic places and the building was restored by a local Martinsville businessman.

In 2012, the Morgan County Historical Preservation Society worked to have the historic Grassyfork office building listed on the National Register of historic places and the building was restored by a local Martinsville businessman.

Grassyfork Fisheries
Grassyfork before renovation
Grassyfork Fisheries building

Grassyfork Fisheries Vintage Postcards

Grassyfork building
Grassyfork postcard back
Grassyfork Fisheries Postcard
Grassyfork vintage postcard inside the show room at the old grassyfork building
Grassyfork Fisheries showroom
Ozark Fisheries History

Established in 1926, Ozark Fisheries is one of the oldest privately owned fish farms in the United States. Learn more about our fish farm history, including our Indiana Farm location previously known as Grassyfork Fisheries.

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Fish Farm Tours

Group tours are available at both farm locations. Tours are an hour long and include farm history with visits to our hatchery, production, and shipping facilities. All tours must be scheduled in advance.

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Circle F Cattle

Circle F Cattle Company is a black angus cow/calf operation. The Circle F brand was created by taking the O and F from Ozark Fisheries. We raise some of the best cattle in south central Missouri.

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