February 23, 2012

US catfish processing declines, feed deliveries rise

Figures from the USDA show that catfish processing in the US fell by 26% in January this year, as compared with the previous year as catfish feed deliveries rose by 420%.

Farm-raised catfish processed during January 2012 totalled 25.8 million pounds round weight, down 26% from January 2011. The average price paid to producers was US$1.25 per pound for January 2012, down 0.3% from last month but US$0.32 above a year ago, according to the latest USDA figures.

Farm-raised catfish processed during 2011 totalled 334 million pounds, 29% below the 472 million pounds processed in 2010. The average price paid to producers in 2011 was US$1.17 per pound, US$0.37 above the US$0.80 paid last year.

The USDA also reports that total catfish feed delivered in the US during January 2012 was 5,834 tonnes, up 420% from January 2011, and 47% from the previous month.

Foodsize catfish feed delivered totalled 5,658 tonnes, up 441% from the corresponding month a year ago. Feed delivered for fingerlings and broodfish totalled 176 tonnes, up 132% from the corresponding month a year ago.