Lenson Montz and Aerator

Catfish farmer Lenson Montz of Hale County stands next to a tractor-pulled paddlewheel used to aerate his catfish ponds in this photo from the 1970s. Aeration is vitally important for keeping farmed fish healthy by increasing the oxygen levels in the water.

Courtesy of United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conversation Service; photograph by R.C. Nelson