2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To develop a grading system that will increase producer profitability by reducing labor cost and improve product quality through reduced handling of Golden Shiner minnows. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The proposed system utilizes a combination of mechanical means and natural evading and schooling behaviors to grade (sort) general populations of Golden Shiner minnows into more homogeneous distributions. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Aquatec Fish Farms, Inc. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 6228-41630-003-00D, Improved Warm Water Aquaculture Products and Technologies. This cooperative agreement involves an exchange of scientific information among participants and allows ARS scientist access to private facilities for collaborative research. Cooperators are providing on-farm environments and both practical and technical expertise to be applied in the development and evaluation of components and procedures related to the mechanical size-grading of golden shiner minnows produced on aquaculture farms. The ADODR monitors project progress through periodic telephone calls and site visits.