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Catfish processors conference planned
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Catfish processors nationwide are invited to attend the 2003 Catfish Processors Conference Feb. 25 and 26 at Mississippi State University.
The catfish processors conference provides information on the processing and marketing of catfish for those involved in the production and processing of catfish. It is sponsored by MSU's Extension Service Food and Fiber Center and the MSU Department of Food Science and Technology.
The conference will begin with a discussion of the state of the farm-raised catfish industry. Other topics include food security, seafood marination, catfish product development, designing plants for changing markets, controlling listeria during processing and challenges in marketing farm-raised catfish. Another session will look at the success the poultry industry has had with value-added products.
"Since 1971, MSU has held workshops to provide catfish processors with up-to-date information about the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry," said conference coordinator Anna Hood. "In addition to the workshops, an exhibit area will showcase displays by catfish industry suppliers and posters on timely research topics related to processing catfish."
The conference will begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 25 with a special catfish disease research update and dedication of the Specific Pathogen Free Catfish Hatchery at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a pre-conference tour at 5 p.m. and catfish fry at 5:30 at MSU's Hunter Henry Center. The workshop sessions will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Bost Extension Center.
The last conference drew more than 135 attendees and had 28 industry exhibitors and 10 poster presentations.
Conference registration fees are $40 for attendees and cover registration, lunch, breaks and the catfish fry. Attendee registration and payment must be received by Feb. 14. The exhibitor fee of $175 includes registration for two people. Exhibitor registration and payment must be received by Feb. 7.
All registrations and payments can be made by mail or online. Visit http://www.ext.msstate.edu/departments/foodandfiber/events/catfish.html.
For more information about the conference, contact Anna Hood at the Food and Fiber Center at (662) 325-2160 or by e-mail at annah@ext.msstate.edu.
