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
Ethanol output softened, but underlying supply-and-demand trends indicate stable longer-term use despite short-term volatility in blending and exports.
December 12, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
December 12, 2025 11:42 AM
·
USDA data confirms that U.S. agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production, according to a new analystis by Farm Flavor.
December 11, 2025 06:00 PM
·
The specific provision in the CO₂ storage law allowed the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) to authorize carbon storage projects to proceed even if they lacked unanimous consent from all affected landowners.
December 11, 2025 04:15 PM
·
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S. Christmas Tree industry and what growers are up against.
December 11, 2025 01:53 PM
·
Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
December 11, 2025 01:32 PM
·
