Farm Bureau State Women's leadership conducted three two-day educational workshops/ field trips across Mississippi during the month of June. Workshops included hands on activities, ag resources, meals with ag fellowship. The goal of Farm Bureau leadership is to create awareness where food, fiber, energy and shelter derives from. Top commodities were presented. This allows the teachers and Farm Bureau leadership know how we can all work together to promote and educate students, the importance of agriculture. Area teachers who attended, were Kim Hathcock, Carroll Academy Theresa Stullivant & Libby Carson Winona Career and Technical Center, Juanita Parkinson Winona Elementary Brad Cook Winona High School , Rochelle Armstrong, Winona Middle School, Winona High School , Montgomery County FB Federation secretary Vanessa Pearson and State Woman Chair Betty Mills. One of the summer workshop tours was the commodity of the month catfish for the month of July. Catfish a top favorite dish, should have a greater appreciation to how the catfish gets to the family table and many restaurants in the state. Many counties have ponds with catfish, but Montgomery County has no catfish farmers. Mississippi has 8 catfish processors and 205 catfish farms located 80% in the delta and 20% northeast Mississippi. Channel Catfish is processed for consumers that is farm produced in spring water fed ponds to provide a good tasting catfish. Catfish is inspected with regulations for their products tasty ,safe , and to reach the demand for their products. Catfish farming is around the clock operation as the oxygen in the water is a key component. Catfish farmers have technology and devices that can help them stay in business, avoid losing their catfish with the electric or powdered operations in the bad weather and p.m. hours.
Interesting facts about catfish. It takes 2000 gallons of water to produce one pound of catfish. There are over 119 species of catfish to Mississippi. The largest recorded weight caught in the state was 131 lbs. Belzoni, Ms is recognized as the catfish capital of the world.
Catfish offers a wide range of health benefits as it is high in protein, low in fat, and contains omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflation and improve overall health. Catfish is also an excellent source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12; as well as potassium and selenium. If you would like more information, contact the county Farm Bureau Office.
Every April Belzoni, Ms. sponsors the Catfish Queen Contest for a young lady between the ages of 18 and 26, single. The winner of the 2023 scholarship Georgia Neill, daughter of Jim April Neill' Carrollton, Miss. Georgia ambition is to be a federal judge who advocates for rural famers and the agricultural industry. For more information on this contest contact State FB District 8 Chair, Wanda Hill 662-836-7886.
Delicata Catfish
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. lemon juice
4 tbsp. virgin olive oil
4 tsp. Cavenders
1 tsp. Tonys
Marinate fillets in the above mixture. Mix and coat. Grill.
