Much of the domestic catfish industry’s attention is fixed on events in the nation’s capital and abroad. But what’s happening down South — or rather, not happening as much as in the past — is another pressing matter.
Despite a modest 1 percent increase in catfish processing by volume last year, to a total of 471.6 million pounds,processing output quickly fell in January 12 percent, to 35.1 million pounds, compared to the opening month of 2010. Producers were paid an average of 80.1 cents per pound in 2010, up 3 cents from the previous year.
Production numbers stand in stark contrast to levels of recent memory. Last year’s overall production was down 28.7 percent from the industry’s best year in 2003, when it processed 661.5 million pounds of catfish, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Price increases in key fish feed commodities have played a factor in driving up domestic producers’ costs, and many farmers have exited the business as a result or have switched to growing crops, like corn. But according to NASS, corn, soy and wheat production in 2010 all neared record highs, and coupled with increased production abroad, prices may ease somewhat.
Competition with imported farmed whitefish, namely pangasius from Vietnam, has also taken a toll on Americanfarmers. Despite tariffs and an uncertain trade future, frozen pangasius fillet imports continue to grow, reaching 124 million pounds last year, a 14 percent increase over 2009. However, frozen channel catfish fillet imports from China were down 34.6 percent last year, to 10.6 million pounds. A greater portion of that product is staying in the country as China’s middle class expands.
In early March, fresh boneless and skinless domestic catfish fillets were priced at or slightly less than USD 4 a pound. Frozen fillets were tagged in the mid-USD 3 range for all sizes. Frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam were priced in the high-USD 1 range up to USD 2 a pound.
