|
PURPOSE
The Catfish Production survey provides basic production data
for the catfish industry. The survey allows the industry to
track number of catfish farms; water area devoted to production
and other uses; the number, pounds, and value of fish produced;
the point of first sale; and the number of fish in inventory.
COVERAGE
All known catfish farms in 11 leading producing states are
included in the January survey. The states are Alabama, Arkansas,
California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas. Four states, Alabama,
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, are surveyed in July.
CONTENT
In January, data are collected on the number of acres of
water that are used for production, acres of ponds under construction,
and acres taken out of production. The number and weight of
fish in inventory by size of fish, and the number, pounds,
and value of sales by size of fish are also obtained. Additional
questions cover the percent of the total value of sales for
food fish and stockers by marketing outlet. These outlets
are live haulers, fee and recreational use, other producers,
government agencies, direct to consumers, processors, and
retailers. In July, only inventory and water area are collected.
FREQUENCY
This main survey is conducted in January and the smaller
survey is conducted in July.
METHODS
A list of catfish operations is maintained by NASS. All operations
(about 1,200) are selected for each survey in the states included
in the program. The reference date for the inventory and water
area is January 1 or July 1 of the current year. Sales data
refer to the previous calendar year. Questionnaires are mailed
to reach respondents about the first of the month. Growers
not returning questionnaires by mail are followed up by phone.
In some cases, personal visits are made.
PRODUCTS
Results are published in the Catfish Production report in
February and July. The February report contains number of
catfish farms; water area devoted to production and other
uses; the number, pounds, and value of fish produced; the
point of first sale; and the number of fish in inventory are
provided by state and a 11-state total. The July report contains
number of catfish farms, inventory, and water area by state
and a 4-state total.
USES
Producers and marketers use inventory numbers to project
future supplies of catfish. 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.
SPECIAL FEATURES
RELATED PROGRAMS
Catfish Processing
Census of Aquaculture
Trout Production
|