In the 1980s the United States Congress decided to designate August as National Catfish Month to highlight the importance the United States catfish industry plays in the economy, as an agricultural product, and as a food source. Perhaps today many of those in the catfish industry would like to use this month to highlight the challenges they face to remain viable. At the very least they may not feel like there is much to celebrate about.As Steve Pomerleau, an Extension aquaculture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, noted in the Delta Farm Press story on the catfish industry, the high costs of feed and the decline in sales have forced many producers out of the market and put others in difficult financial situations. The high costs of feed are driven by the higher costs of soybeans and corn.
Ted McNulty, aquaculture director for the University of Arkansas Agriculture Department, noted in the article that “the previous five-year average cost of feed was $235 per ton and most farmers paid between $375 and $425 a ton in 2008.” At the current rate, production costs are increasing faster than prices. Added to the difficulty of high feed costs is that imports currently account for 20% of the US market. While imports from China may be dropping, imports from Vietnam remain at high levels.
Catfish farmers did get a little help from the federal government as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The legislation contained $50 million worth of assistance for catfish farmers. Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) was able to secure $7.8 million in funds for Arkansas farmers. Highlighting the need that exists for farmers, McNulty reports that the Aquaculture division of the state Agriculture Department in Arkansas dispersed $7.13 million of the funds to 122 farmers on July 20, 2009.
Those in the catfish industry will likely be paying attention to what Congress does in terms of climate change legislation and biofuels funding and sources when members return from the summer recess. In the meantime, catfish farmers will keep looking for ways to keep this struggling industry alive.
To read the Delta Farm Press story click here.
Posted: 08/10/09
