FUR FARMING 

 i960. 



Early predictions of lower price levels for the I96O crop 

 of ordinary quality Standard, Pastel and V/hlte mink, proved accurate as the 

 first sales of the season recorded declines of 20^ for Standards and Pastels 

 and little to no Interest shovm for Vrtilte mink, which were mostly withdrawn. 

 Due to the uncertainty In the market, turnover on early sales was running 

 50 to 60^. ■ :] 



A number of reasons are given as contributing factors to 

 the decline. However, the two which v/e feel are the main reasons, v;ere the 

 placing of thousands of mink on the Scandinavian market early In the season, 

 without price reserves. This was done in an attempt to attract as many for- 

 eign buyers as possible to the Scandinavian Auction Sales. The second rea- 

 son would appear to be the decline in the volume of fur business experienced 

 by the dealers, manufacturers and the retailers in the latter part of 196O, 

 which resulted in losses on Inventory costs. 



The decline increased on the above types through to April, 

 when a 35^ to 40^ decline was recorded. Meanwhile Sapphires, Aleutians, 

 Pearls and Palominos, together v;ith the newer Types,- Lavenders, Violets, 

 Orchids and Hopes, sold to good advantage at firm prices. 



in May, the market showed definite signs of improvement 

 when it became obvious to the buyers that the "low" had been reached and 

 they would not be caught buying on a declining market. Large quantities 

 of mink then changed hands and sales recorded 85-9O and 100^ turnover. 



Select quality Extra-dark Standard mink was in good de- 

 mand throughout most sales. Ranchers producing mink of mediocre to fair 

 quality, must improve their quality if they wish to continue in the busi- 

 ness and make a profit. It is estimated that world production of mink is 

 12,000,000 pelts annually and the sales of this past season Indicate that 

 the buyers have such a large volume from which to choose, that they are 



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