Since 1984, August has been recognized as National Catfish Month to celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into producing and receiving high-quality U.S. Farm-Raised catfish. America’s 40th President Ronald Reagan saw the imminent value of the industry and declared June 25th as National Catfish Day and August as National Catfish Month. Catfish production contributes a large sum to the United States economy. In 2016, the total economic contribution of commercial catfish production amounted to $871.1 million. As our industry continues to grow, every August we look back at the progress of Heartland Catfish Company and become eager for our industry’s continuous growth.
History of Heartland Catfish Company
Heartland Catfish Company was established in 1996 by William Tackett, his son, Jim Tackett and his son-in-law Joe Walker. William grew up dedicated to hard work and Christian principles and used those principles to create a business that would flourish. In 1968, he built his first catfish pond which led to starting a catfish hatchery. Years later, Heartland Catfish Company is home to a 135,000 square-foot processing facility located on a 50-acre site in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Through hard work, time and dedication, the Heartland Catfish team has supported the catfish industry and through our state-of-the-art processing facility, Heartland Catfish Company has the privilege to continue providing customers with consistent high-quality catfish.
Every Month is Catfish Month for Heartland Catfish Company
Although celebrated year-round for Heartland Catfish, National Catfish Month serves to educate consumers about the importance of catfish. Mississippi produces more than 50% of the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish grown in the United States. Other southern states such as Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas contribute largely to catfish production. When paired with Mississippi, these states produce 94% of all U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. Heartland Catfish Company processes more than 60 million pounds of live fish annually. Our catfish continues to play a part in southern food culture, where our U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish can not only be found in restaurants along The Catfish Trail but on tables throughout the U.S.
How Can I Celebrate?
Celebrating National Catfish Month is easy, enjoy some U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish! If you aren’t able to make a stop along The Catfish Trail, we have more than 85 different recipes for you and your family to try at home. Depending on what you’re craving, catfish can fit into any type of meal at any time of day. Check with your local grocery store for our fresh fillets, frozen fillets and frozen nuggets. The versatility of our products makes celebrating easy.
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