Before the introduction of catfish farming in Delta, most of the residents practised commercial crop farming. They grew cotton in large scale a. As time went by, catfish farming was introduced in the year 1960. Currently, Catfish farming in Mississippi Delta produces the most significant percentage of fish in America. This has seen cotton farming, which was an indigenous crop replaced by catfish farming. Catfish farming is now the primary source of revenue for Delta farmers. By abandoning rice and cotton farming and venturing into this new cash crop, there were numerous changes in the way individual adapted to the new source of revenue. The Delta people welcomed this opportunity as it proved to be worth their efforts.
Why catfish is the appropriate fish in the Mississippi Delta
With the different varieties of fish in the Mississippi Delta, Catfish has become the favourite fish in the Mississippi Delta. This has been a success due to the corporation from every farmer in that region. Creation of several businesses, e.g. Delta Pride that specialises in processing and keeping catfish has been a boost to this industry. The farmers who practised catfish farming in the early days had unhealthy competitions, and after realising the need to work together, large industries were developed, and this made easy access to the market.
The American state has protected catfish market and the revenue earned goes back to boost growing of catfish. The Presence of unique pellets designed for catfish ensures enough food for the catfish growth. A fresh supply of water and clay soil makes the catfish farming real. Mississippi Delta has the required climate to support the growth of catfish. Farmers have initiated new ways of increasing catfish production by building fair sized fish ponds that are easy to manage and fish.
Why Catfish?
Catfish in Mississippi Delta is supported by the natural climate and the general environmental conditions. Catfish comes in different varieties, including flathead, blue and channel and each of these varieties is backed by the four weather patterns namely winter, spring, summer and fall seasons. This means that through the year, at least a given type of catfish will be available making its supply consistent. Catfish is easy to harvest as its hunger allows it to bite the bait quickly as compared to the other species. The type of soil in Delta is clay, hence supports catfish farming. This kind of fish matures very fast, and the rate at which it spawns is also high. Since its reproduction is high, many farmers consider this as an ideal way to make money. Lastly, catfish in the Mississippi Delta has a great market with many people taking it as their favourite fish.
Benefits of catfish farming in the Mississippi Delta
The introduction of catfish farming has seen many companies that process fish come up in the Mississippi Delta. A lot of job opportunities have been created as a result. Catfish farming has improved the general infrastructure of this area as roads have been built to make market accessibility easier. Great hotels that deal with catfish have been set up, hence providing a ready market and employment to the citizens of America. Organisations that stipulate laws and regulations governing catfish farming have been put into place, and this has enabled the markets to be high and available for catfish farming. New technologies of preserving catfish have been put in place, saving the farms from massive losses.
In conclusion, catfish farming in the Mississippi Delta is a key factor in the economy of America. By providing job opportunities and food, this practice is a real goldmine in the Mississippi Delta.
I have been to various parts of the Mississippi River more times than I can count. It started in my youth with a group of my friends. Today, I take my family to the Mississippi almost every other vacation.