WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. catfish producers posted slightly higher sales in 2025 even as production acreage and inventories moved lower, pointing to a tighter supply environment across the industry. According to the latest Catfish Production Report (PDF Version) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), total catfish sales reached $394 million, up one percent from 2024, with Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas accounting for 96 percent of national sales.
Food-size catfish sales totaled $367 million, edging higher from the prior year, while stocker sales climbed to $16.3 million, reflecting stronger demand for fish destined for grow-out. Fingerling and fry sales slipped 4 percent to $9.24 million. Direct sales to processors continued to dominate the market, representing nearly 93 percent of all food-size sales.
Production capacity continued to contract. Water surface acres in catfish production fell 8 percent to 48,115 acres as of January 1, 2026. Acres removed from production during the second half of 2025 outpaced new construction and renovation activity.
Inventories also tightened. Large and medium food-size fish counts declined sharply, while fingerling inventories rose, suggesting future production remains possible if market conditions improve.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories indicate tighter supplies, supporting catfish prices.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Fertilizer still consumes an unusually large share of crop value.
February 20, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Kerry Hartwig from Sukup Manufacturing previews the grain management solutions they plan to share with producers at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio.
February 19, 2026 02:36 PM
·
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
February 19, 2026 01:48 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
February 19, 2026 01:28 PM
·
The global rice surplus outweighs tighter U.S. supplies, pressuring prices.
February 19, 2026 08:00 AM
·
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
February 19, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
February 18, 2026 04:18 PM
·
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
February 18, 2026 01:49 PM
·
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
February 18, 2026 01:38 PM
·
