DYNAMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING U.S. AND REGIONAL CATFISH DEMAND

Response to changes in factors influencing consumption of catfish and competing commodities differ between national, South Atlantic, and Southwest Central markets. A modified state adjustment model for catfish, beef, chicken, and other fish explicitly included age distribution, residence, occupation, education, and race/ethnic variables associated with habit formation. Nationally, per capita expenditures on catfish respond to present and past relative prices, and catfish, chicken, and other fish, but not beef, consumption demonstrates significant habit formation. South Atlantic and Southwest Central habits for catfish consumption persist, and, as the population ages, chicken and fish consumption increase.