subject: Three Tips On Catfish Farming [print this page] Catfish farming can be very profitable for those who have the time and energy to begin a catfish farm. While this is a time consuming hobby or occupation, the rewards can be well worth it for those who go into it with the right knowledge.
There are three tips on catfish farming that should be taken in to account before the project is begun. These are going to be important and can determine the success or failure of the operation. It is also important to note that these tips are assuming there is already a viable pond or lake and that one does not need to be constructed for this operation.
1. Is There a Viable Market? This is the first question that you need to ask yourself before starting a catfish farm. If there are neighbors who already have catfish farms then the market is probably flooded with more catfish meat than it can sustain. Many people love the taste of catfish, but if there are more catfish than can be consumed there is going to be a lowered price and you may not make your money back.
Talk to those who are purchasing this meat and find out what the going rate is for it. Do the math and see if you are going to make a profit if you invest in catfish farming. Unless you are going to farm them for your enjoyment at catching and eating them, a loss is not the best way to begin a new venture.
Knowing where and when the best time to sell is going to be just as important. Perhaps all of your neighbors are selling in the fall. You can set up your farm to harvest in another time of the year so you can make more profit.
A catfish farm can be worked in the summer or winter. Decide when the market is the best. If you are going to be able to sell the meat in both periods then learn the differences between farming in winter and in summer. That way you can benefit from both seasons without a break. As soon as one harvest is completed, restock the pond with the fingerlings immediately. This is going to keep the operation going non stop.
2. Do Not Overstock - There is a basic requirement for catfish that can not be overlooked. If a pond or lake is overstocked, then the fish are not going to get to the size that you want when harvesting. It can take longer for them to be ready for harvest as well. There are possibilities that the water quality is going to suffer and other problems can arise. The best stocking is fifteen hundred fingerlings per acre the pond. If the pond is two acres, then only stock up to three thousand fingerlings. From this amount, you are going to be able to harvest around two thousand pounds of catfish for ever acre of pond that you stock.
