Identification of disease and weather related loss factors and an efficiency measure affecting the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry

This study analyzed factors that affected catfish losses from diseases and weather events and factors that affected on-farm efficiency. A double limit tobit model was used to determine the magnitudes of losses experienced by producers due to these events, while a linear regression model was used to determine factors that affect efficiency. Results from the weather model indicate all variables are significant and positively affect loss while producer experience and pond depth were the only significant variables that affected disease loss. The efficiency model results provide information that could be increased or decreased in order to obtain a more efficient level of production. Significant inputs in the catfish efficiency model were age, experience, age/experience (interactive), catfish survival percentage, and percentage of fry and fingerlings purchased off-farm.