WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is joining senators from America’s leading catfish producing states to designate August 2023 as National Catfish Month. 

The resolution recognizes the importance of U.S. catfish to our economy and praises catfish farmers and workers for their contributions to the industry. Arkansas ranks as third-largest catfish producing state. 

“Arkansas, our nation’s birthplace of warm water aquaculture, remains a proud leader in the catfish industry,” Boozman said. “The research conducted in Arkansas continues to advance new and innovative strategies to support our producers nationwide. Our family-owned operations do a tremendous job raising catfish that consumers crave. I’m proud to join my colleagues to mark National Catfish Month and celebrate the entire industry.”

Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Braun (R-IN) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) joined Boozman in introducing the resolution.

“Mississippi is recognized across the country for our farm-raised catfish production, which helps provide American families with a fresh, local, and delicious source of fish,” Wicker said. “Designating the month of August as National Catfish Month would recognize catfish producers for their work to support this industry that contributes almost $2 billion to our national economy.”

“The catfish industry contributes nearly $2 billion to our economy and employs thousands of people across the country,” Tillis said. “North Carolina is one of a few states home to farm-raised catfish, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to recognize August as National Catfish Month to honor all the workers that provide catfish for people across our country and the world.”

“Nearly 33 percent of all catfish produced in the United States comes from right here in sweet home Alabama. Catfish is a vital part of our state’s economy, and I will always support our hardworking farmers and processors. I’m proud to join my colleagues in bringing forward this resolution to recognize the catfish industry’s contributions to our state and country,” Britt said.

“There’s nothing better than eating a fully dressed fried catfish po’ boy with family and friends in the bayou,” Cassidy said. “We celebrate National Catfish Month in August to recognize everyone who makes it possible to enjoy those catfish dinners.”

“Catfish represent another one of Mississippi’s iconic contributions to our American society. Catfish farmers in our state and across the South continue to prevail against stiff economic forces to ensure families across the country can enjoy delicious, safe and affordable farm-raised catfish,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m happy to celebrate this industry during National Catfish Month.”