EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
My extension program includes the broad umbrella “Pond-to-Plate” project that addresses the needs of the U.S. and Alabama farm-raised catfish industries. This project is conducts studies and outreach efforts that are multi-disciplinary in nature involving economics, business, production and marketing. Involvement of the private sector is a critical element that makes this project work. Examples of projects on-going are economic performance appraisals of intensive pond-based catfish culture systems, new technology introduction (in-pond raceway systems, gear to capture raceway fish waste for re-use, and initiatives to coordinate responses to catfish disease/health management). These efforts were developed with catfish industry representatives and represent their priority areas as well as concepts for the future needing fundamental research now. The goal is to assist the U.S. and Alabama farm-raised catfish industries transform itself into a modern livestock industry.