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.

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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?	__________	__________