Budgeting Year One: Comprehensive Working Capital Forecast for a 10,000-Fish Grow-Out Operation
Understanding Cash Flow Before Stocking
Aquaculture projects frequently fail not from biological issues, but from running out of operating cash at Month 4 when fish appetite reaches peak demand and capital is tied up in biomass.
Key Financial Ratios for a 10,000 Catfish Cycle
- Feed Proportion: Feed accounts for 68% to 74% of total variable costs.
- Projected Biomass: Stocking 10,000 juveniles with 8% mortality yields 9,200 harvestable fish. At an average weight of 1.2 kg, harvest equals 11,040 kg of live catfish.
- Feed Required: At an FCR of 1.2:1, producing 11,040 kg requires 13,248 kg (530 bags of 25kg) of premium extruded floating feed.
- Breakeven Analysis: By securing forward contracts with point-and-kill grill operators prior to harvest, price volatility is mitigated, protecting your target 24–28% gross return margin.
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