Aquaculture Outlook, March 4, 1997. Supplement to Livestock, Dairy and PoultrySituation and Outlook

摘要

Based on the increases in grower inventories reported for January 1, catfishoutput is forecast to expand 5-7 percent in 1997. Strong farm prices and relatively steady feed costs in 1994 and 1995 laid the foundation for expanded pond acreage and production in 1996 and into 1997. While farm prices remained favorable in 1996, growers were pressured by large increases in feed costs. While larger catfish production is expected to put some downward pressure on prices in 1997, growers are likely to see feed prices decline as corn and soybean meal prices are expected to be much lower than a year earlier.