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Author: JENSEN
PubID: ANR-0273 		Title: CATFISH FARMING / IS IT FOR YOU? Pages: 2     Balance: 638
Status: IN STOCK 		Click here for a printable copy (PDF) Printable Copy (PDF)   Get Acrobat Reader
ANR-273 CATFISH FARMING IS IT FOR YOU?

ANR-273 Reprinted Sept. 1999. John Jensen, Extension Fisheries Specialist, Professor and Head, Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, and Jerry R. Crews, Extension Economist, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, both at Auburn University.
Catfish Farming
Is It For You?
UNDER THE RIGHT circumstances, catfish farming can be very profitable. Like other forms of farming, however, catfish production involves substantial capital investment and many risks. Growing catfish successfully also requires daily attention. If you're considering catfish farming, this checklist can help you determine whether a catfish enterprise is feasible for your particular situation. The checklist, of course, doesn't cover all possibilities. Answering yes to most questions won't guarantee success, just as answering no won't mean automatic failure. The checklist does list the most important considerations, however; and to have a good probability of success, most of your answers should be in the yes column when you begin a catfish operation. Your county Extension agent can direct you to sources of information for the more technical questions.

ECONOMIC FACTORS
MANAGEMENT  Yes No
1. Do you already have suitable ponds or a site suitable for ponds? __________  __________
2. Do you have most of the machinery and equipment needed? __________ __________
3. Do you have the necessary financial resources? __________ __________
4. Is the catfish profit potential higher than that of other possible investments? __________ __________
5. Will the expected profit be adequate compensation for your labor, management, and risk? __________ __________ 
6. Will investment and operating capital interest rates permit a reasonable profit? __________ __________
7. Is catfish the best alternative for the land you intend to use? __________ __________
8. Can you afford to forego income until you sell your first crop? __________ __________
9. Are you able to absorb occasional losses? __________ __________
10. Are you willing to devote the daily time and effort required? __________ __________
     
MARKETING Yes No
1. Do you know of an established market for your fish? __________ __________
2. Is there a market for your fish at the time of year you plan to sell them? __________ __________
3. Do you have a suitable arrangement for harvesting your fish? __________ __________
4. Can you be flexible and harvest fish during the off-season? __________ __________
5. Do you have an alternative marketing strategy to fall back on?

__________

__________

PHYSICAL FACTORS
1. Does the topography of the land lend itself to pond construction? __________ __________
2. Will the soil hold water? __________ __________
3. Is enough water available to fill the pond and replace losses? __________ __________
4. Is your water of the proper quality for catfish production? __________ __________
5. Is the pond area protected from flooding? __________ __________
6. Are the drains in existing ponds large enough to allow rapid draining? __________ __________
7. Can wild fish be prevented from entering the pond? __________ __________
8. Is there year-round access to the pond for harvesting and feeding? __________ __________
9. Is there a smooth, stump-free area in the pond to allow efficient harvesting? __________ __________
10. Is your residence close enough to the pond to allow frequent and timely observations and the necessary management adjustments? __________ __________

PRODUCTION FACTORS
1. Are good quality feeds readily available at a competitive price? __________ __________
2. Do you have a source of supply for the drugs and chemicals needed? __________ __________
3. Are fingerlings available from local dealers? __________ __________
4. Can you raise your own fingerlings? __________ __________
5. Can you make or purchase aeration equipment? __________ __________
6. Is dependable labor available? __________ __________
7. Are dependable diagnostic services available? __________ __________
8. Do you have equipment for storing feed? __________ __________
9. Are you aware of the governmental agencies and trade associations that can provide you educational and technical services? __________ __________

RISKS
 Are you equipped to handle the following problems: Yes No
1. Poor water quality? __________ __________
2. Off-flavor? __________ __________
3. Pesticide contamination? __________ __________
 4. Poachers and vandals? __________ __________
5. Personal stress resulting from risk management? __________  __________

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.

Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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