PURPOSE

The Trout Production survey provides basic data for the trout industry such as the number of trout farms; the number, pounds, and value of fish produced; the point of first sale; and information on the number of fish lost by cause.

COVERAGE

All known trout farms in the 20 top producing states are included in the survey. The states are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

CONTENT

Data are collected on the number, pounds, and value of sales by size of fish and the number and value of sales of eggs. Additional questions cover the percent of fish sold through each marketing outlet and losses of fish by cause. Data cover farm raised fish and fish raised for restoration, conservation, or recreational purposes. The marketing outlets are processors, restaurants and other retailers, consumers, live haulers, fee and recreational, other producers, and government agencies. The causes for loss are disease, theft or vandalism, chemical contamination, drought, flood, and predators.

FREQUENCY

The survey is conducted each January.

METHODS

A list of trout operations is maintained by NASS. All operations (nearly 700) are surveyed each year. The reference date for the number of trout farms is January 1 of the current year. Sales and loss data refer to the previous calendar year. Questionnaires are mailed to reach respondents about the first of January. Growers not returning questionnaires by mail are followed up by phone. In some cases, personal visits are made.

PRODUCTS

Results are published in the Trout Production report in February. Estimates include number of trout farms; the number, pounds, and value of fish and eggs produced; the point of first sale; and losses by cause by state and 20-state total.

USES

Producers and marketers use inventory numbers to project future supplies of trout. Producers use the data in making business decisions. Economists use sales data to assess the present status and future of the industry. Data are also used in assessing the general situation of the agricultural sector. Natural resource and conservation specialists use the data for determining supplies of fish for restocking and related programs.

SPECIAL FEATURES

RELATED PROGRAMS

Census of Aquaculture
Catfish Production