Prior to the closing of the Catfish Processing Plant in Holdenville, OK Eastern Oklahoma State College Agriculture Operations produced Channel Catfish in four ponds located west of the Wilburton Campus.  Each fall agriculture students assisted with the catfish “round-up” by seining one or two ponds during the fall with the fish being transported to the processing plant in a live haul truck.

With the loss of the only commercial market Eastern’s Agriculture Operations is considering the possibility of marketing catfish to the general public who may be interested in stocking their private ponds and/or for personal consumption.  If there is adequate interest in the project it is anticipated harvest will occur during late October or early November 2008 and each fall thereafter.  Fish will be sold by live weight with a projected price of $1 per pound.

If you have an interest in purchasing farm raised catfish for personal use you are encouraged to contact: Troy Walker by calling 918.465.1725 or email twalker@eosc.edu or Rhonda Quinn by calling 918.465.1724 or email rprice@eosc.edu.