March 24, 2008

Mississippi catfish producers receive US$8.1 million of disaster assistance
 

The Mississippi catfish producers were granted US$8.1 million of disaster assistance in January, which would slightly relieve the industry for losses incurred in the hot summer of 2006.

The successful temperature-related crop loss claim was made when Jim Steeby, a catfish specialist from Mississippi State University, compiled feed and price data as well as pond water temperature from national and state statistic services at the request of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Steeby used the compiled data to show that Mississippi's catfish production decreased in 2006 when pond water temperature exceeded 90 degrees for 35 to 40 consecutive days.

"This confirmed statements by catfish producers that heat-related production problems had occurred. Then, using data on the market price of fish for the period, I was able to assign a value to the estimated heat-related production loss," said Steeby.

Smaller catfish farming operations received about US$10,000 in assistance, while many others received between US$20,000 to US$40,000, according to Steeby. The state has about 350 catfish farms.

Steve Fratesi, a Mississippi catfish producer, said catfish do not feed as well during hot weather when warm waters provide less oxygen than is available with cooler waters.

Profitability falls when the catfish fails to feed, and the added cost of keeping the fish alive with extra aeration have placed burden on the producers.

Fratesi said it was difficult to maintain high oxygen levels in all of his ponds spanning 400 acres during the summer of 2006 as he ran out of aeration equipment. Fratesi said his disaster assistance was used to balance current production costs that have been climbing continuously.