The weather during the past week has been hinting that spring is right around the corner. Temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s are a pleasant change from the weather we have been having for the past three months.

All of us are getting anxious to get out of the house to enjoy the spring weather. Farmers will soon begin their field work in anticipation of bountiful crops. Homeowners will soon begin working in their yards in anticipation of a beautiful landscape and garden. Me, I am just ready to start fishing, with anticipation of catching the biggest large-mouth bass I have ever caught.

Many people in Robeson County, like me, love to fish. For some people, it is easy to find a good place to fish. But for many others, it is very difficult to find a safe place to fish, one that is easy to get to, and one that provides a good chance of catching enough fish for a decent meal. This indicates that there is a good opportunity for a few individuals in the county to generate some additional income for themselves by developing and operating well-managed fee-fishing operations.

There is quite a bit of local interest in other methods to generate income from ponds. Quite a few people have contacted me during the past year seeking information about various forms of aquacultural production. They have asked about commercial catfish; talapia; hybrid stripped bass; freshwater shrimp; crawfish; bullfrogs; fee-fishing operations; tournament ponds; and even about producing aquatic plants for water gardens.

Because there is so much local interest in aquaculture, I will be providing an Aquacultural Workshop next Tuesday night, February 20, at the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center here in Lumberton. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, and there is no charge for the workshop; so if you or any of your friends have any interest at all in aquaculture, you are more than welcome to join us. Just call 671-3276 and let us know you are coming so we can make the necessary room arrangements.

Most people quickly realize that because of our mild climate and abundant water supplies, that virtually all kinds of aquacultural production is possible in Robeson County. This even includes the production of trout if special facilities are provided. But the major questions most people have are what is required to grow various aquacultural crops, where are the markets, and what is the profit potential?

To address these questions, I have made arrangements for several very knowledgeable resource people to be available for this workshop. Marc Turano, area aquacultural Extension agent working out of Brunswick Community College, will discuss production practices for various species and what to expect on the farm. Tom Ellis, NCDA marketing specialist, will discuss markets, permitting, and regulations. Mark Loomis from Carolina Classic Catfish Processors in Ayden, N.C., will discuss commercial production and contracting.

Again, this workshop will provide the opportunity for anyone in the county who is interested in any form of aquacultural production to get the information they need so they can intelligently determine whether or not they should consider this alternative form of production. In addition, anyone should be able to get expert information and advice on virtually any segment of aquacultural production, management, or marketing.

Many news reports and advertisements often lead people to think that producing specialty aquacultural products is easy to do and provides high profit margins. What one has to realize is that just like with any other commodity, it is absolutely necessary that the right equipment be used. The ponds that will be needed can be considered as equipment; so an existing pond that was dug 50 years ago and neglected over the years may not be a suitable site for a specialty aquacultural crop.

Just as with all other commodities, management is critical. Good management can provide decent profit margins and returns on investments, but poor management can result in disaster.

Aquacultural production will be similar to producing other alternative agricultural crops. The markets for these commodities may not be as structured as the markets for corn, soybeans, cotton, and tobacco. The producer may need to be willing to spend some time and effort in finding and delivering to the markets that may be available or may need to be willing to develop and serve local, specialty markets.

There is potential for additional income from aquaculture for quite a few people in Robeson County. Come join us for what should prove to be a very interesting and informative workshop.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 04/26/01