Aquaculture America 2024

February 18 - 21, 2024

San Antonio, Texas

FACTORS INFLUENCING U.S. CATFISH SUPPLIES

 Lianqun Sun*, and Ganesh Kumar

Delta Research and Extension Center, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi State University, Stoneville, Mississippi-38776 USA

 



 As one of the most successful and established U.S. aquaculture sectors, the  catfish industry has experienced notable fluctuations over the years. While there has been an overall upward trend in the farmer’s price and production efficiency due to technological advancements and effective production strategies, the  farming area has  witnessed a noticeable decline over the last two decades. Yet the production volumes  have stabilized over the last decade. This study investigated the factors influencing domestic catfish supply from farms. Using 25 years of supply data (Figure 1), this study focused on establishing a relationship between the round weight processed  and  various factors including feed prices,  the area under farming, and macroeconomic indicators like soybean and corn mill prices, imports, population, inflation, and unemployment rates.  This paradoxical situation called for a detailed study.  A Trans-log generalized regression model indicate d an inverse relationship between  feed  prices and  the  quantity of catfish supplied . Conversely, a positive relationship existed  between the area under production and  the  quantity  of catfish  supplied, suggesting that increased production area boosted catfish production. Macroeconomic factors played a significant role as well; with population growth and inflation positively influencing the quantity supplied, as producers increase output to meet rising demand and counter inflationary pressures. The findings highlighted the  influence of  various micro and macro economic factors that shaped this vital US aquaculture sector.