July 4, 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday. As our nation pauses to reflect on its history and celebrate 250 years of freedom, Heartland Catfish is taking the opportunity to consider the meaning of being “Made in America.” At Heartland Catfish, being Made in America is a promise we make to our customers every single day.
Why “Made in America” Matters
“Made in America” is a phrase that has evolved over our 250 years as a country, but to its core, it evokes a meaningful message of outstanding quality and the belief that what is made in our country is built with pride, innovation and integrity. This belief matters now more than ever, especially when it comes to the food your family is consuming.
Over time and with more food choices than ever, curiosity about where food comes from, ingredients, who raised it and whether it meets USDA standards has increased. According to USDA, 82.6% of food and beverage purchases go toward domestically produced products, with many consumers making the active decision to select American-made or -grown food.
Choosing American-Raised Seafood
On the other hand, the U.S. relies heavily on foreign seafood to stock seafood counters and restaurant freezers, with imports hovering around 80% of total consumption, according to the USDA. Shrimp is the leading imported seafood in the U.S., and other top imports include Atlantic salmon, tilapia, tuna and various shellfish.
Much of this foreign seafood does not meet the same standards of American fish farmers. Domestic seafood is generally safer, more sustainable and produced under strict FDA and NOAA regulations. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, foreign seafood often suffers from lax environmental oversight, banned antibiotic use, poor sanitation and infrequent FDA inspections, with less than 1% of imports tested before being placed on restaurant menus or stocked at grocery store seafood counters.
The U.S. Farm-Raised Difference
When you see “U.S. Farm-Raised” on a package of Heartland’s catfish, it means you’re getting the highest quality fish on any menu or seafood counter. Heartland’s catfish is raised in man-made freshwater ponds that use the latest farming and Best Management Practices. Our U.S. Farm-Raised products are a healthy, safe and viable food source, and we take steps to ensure our products are farmed and processed in an environmentally responsible manner. Heartland Catfish Company manages our fish supply from egg to harvest, allowing us to deliver consistent, high-quality, on-flavor U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish year-round.
The result is a delicious tasting fish that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Since our supply-chain is right here at home, our catfish gets to you with more transparency than imported seafood.
Keeping American Traditions Alive
Choosing U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is beyond what’s on your plate, it’s also about supporting American farmers and their rural communities. Supporting American food and beverage producers keeps American tradition alive and pours back into the communities in which they operate.
According to the USDA, the U.S. catfish industry is a major driver of the rural economy, particularly in the South, contributing nearly $2 billion annually and supporting over 9,000 jobs through a comprehensive supply chain. Mississippi is the top catfish producer with $214 million value alone in 2024.
Rooted in Family, Community and Quality
As of 2026, Heartland Catfish Company has been raising and processing catfish for 30 years. Based in the Mississippi Delta’s Itta Bena, we are rooted on family and community and committed to a product that our customers can be proud of. In celebration of all 50 states in our nation, ABC News recently visited with our team in Mississippi to learn more about the process of bringing quality catfish from our pond to your plate.
As America celebrates 250 years this July 4th, we are proud to be a small part of that story. 250 years of America. 30 Years of Heartland Catfish.
Ask for Heartland Catfish at a grocery store near you to taste the U.S. Farm-Raised difference.
