The near-level land and abundant groundwater found in the Delta give the area a natural advantage in the production of catfish. Although small in comparison, non-Delta production has also increased. Some areas with relatively level land have put in Delta-type farms, but most of these areas have watershed ponds and depend on rainfall for fresh water. Production per acre is less on watershed farms, and marketing opportunities in small producing areas include more pond-bank sales and more farm processing to add value to the fish. The future of the farm-raised catfish industry is virtually unlimited.
Market development is one of the major marketing obstacles to overcome.
Major objectives for the industry include having Mississippi farm-raised catfish available to consumers in the form, at the place, at the time, and at prices consumers are willing and able to pay. The production process begins with careful selection and mating of quality brood stock. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, they are collected and placed in controlled hatchery tanks where they are closely monitored. As the yolk sacs are depleted, the fish begin to swim and are ready to be put in a pond where they grow into fingerlings. When the fingerlings are about 4 to 6 inches long, they are transferred to catfish ponds at various rates per surface acre of water.