Progress 03/01/09 to 02/28/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: OUTPUTS--ACTIVITIES/EVENTS--A series of five meetings were held with research scientists, extension specialists, commercial catfish producers, and industry infrastructure personnel. The first meeting was a forum of research and extension personnel held to identify immediate and near term scientific recommendations and critical research and extension needs to assist the U.S. catfish industry. The forum was attended by 52 research and extension personnel from 12 institutions. Participants identified five specific areas that, if given focus and emphasis, could result in positive impacts on the financial viability of the catfish industry. The next step in the development process was a review of the five subject areas. The review panel consisted of 15 subject matter specialists from the major research and extension institutions in the region and 11 producer representatives from five states. The primary goal identified by the panel was the development of performance trials of commercial catfish feeds. The catfish producers asked that extension personnel develop appropriate methods to disseminate the results these trials. A committee of university nutritionists and commercial catfish producers was formed to discuss potential feed evaluations. At a subsequent meeting, catfish feed mill owners approved the feed evaluation project with slight changes to the ingredient list. Extension and research personnel from Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Washington, D.C. participated in a videoconference/teleconference to discuss ways to more effectively collaborate on regional issues related to catfish production. PRODUCTS--The committee of nutrition researchers, producers, and feed mill operators developed a feed evaluation project to evaluate four diets, two protein levels with either low cost or high cost ingredients. A research and extension team from each of the two states participating in the feed evaluation project will develop web-based information to be hosted on one or more University websites. DISSEMINATION--Three of the five meetings held included producers and industry personnel. Two additional meetings were held with Board members of The Catfish Farmers of America to discuss the results of the meetings. A listing of ongoing and planned research and extension projects for the next 1 to 5 years was prepared and given to the participating catfish producers for review. A list of research and extension scientists in the region with areas of expertise was developed as another resource. The feed research websites will describe the project, review recent feed research, and post results. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included administrators, research, and Extension Personnel from USDA ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit, USDA ARS Aquatic Animal Health Research Laboratory, USDA ARS,USDA NIFA, Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Texas A&M University. Commercial catfish producers were represented by Catfish Farmers of America, Catfish Farmers of Arkansas, Catfish Farmers of Mississippi, Louisiana Catfish Farmers Association, and Texas Aquaculture Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience included researchers, extension personnel, and catfish industry leaders from across the southern region. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
OUTCOMES--The outcome of the forum for regional catfish researchers and extension scientists was the identification of five specific areas that, if given focus and emphasis, could result in positive impacts on the financial viability of the catfish industry. The five areas were: hybrid catfish; feed formulations and feeding practices; fish health; production and harvesting; and product quality. Extension opportunities were discussed related to each subject area. The outcome of the producer meetings were: 1) Producers were informed about the scope and breadth of current regional activity, 2) Current areas of collaboration were highlighted, 3) Producers gained insight into the adjustments the research and extension community have made to address the economic crisis, 4) A regional feed research project was developed that farmers feel will provide insight into the effects of feed formulations on fish performance.
Publications
- Webb, Taylor. 2009. CFA and USDA review catfish industry and aim for improvement. The Catfish Journal. Volume 23, Number 11 (July 2009).
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