Fur Farmers Care

The Merit Award Humane Care Program

American mink is recognized as the finest in the world, largely due to the superior quality of care provided by conscientious farmers. Fur farmers were the first producers in the nation to establish a voluntary program of humane care guidelines incorporating farm inspections by independent veterinarians.

The Merit Award certification guidelines for mink and fox farms were developed in consultation with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, fur bearer biologists and animal scientists. They set forth specific standards for housing, food and watering systems, disease control, sanitation and manure disposal, the transport of animals and humane euthanasia.

Currently, more than 90% of domestic production comes from farms which meet industry standards and have passed veterinary inspections. Periodic inspections are required to assure ongoing compliance with standards.

Fur Farming and the Environment

Natural fur is renewable and biodegradable. Its production does not harm the ozone, contribute to global warming, cause acid rain deplete non-renewable resources, in contrast to petroleum-based synthetics.

Fur farming permits the efficient use of byproducts and renewable resources, consistent with sound conservation principles. The animal byproducts consumed by farm-raised furbearers would otherwise require disposal in scarce landfill space, either at the expense of producers or taxpayers. In turn, mink byproducts are recycled for use in other products such as pet foods and leather lubricants. Mink oil is an important ingredient in hypoallergenic cosmetics. Manure is a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Fur Farmers in Profile

Minnesota mink farmers produce nearly 310,000 pelts annually on about 40 farms scattered throughout the state. The market value of the Minnesota crop is approximately $10.5 million. Fur farming is interdependent with many other agricultural activities, including beef and poultry farming. Farm-raised furbearers consume animal byproducts, fish, cereals and eggs inappropriate for human consumption.

As the nation's third largest mink producing state, Minnesota plays an important role in the worldwide fur market. The state serves as headquarters for two major nationwide associations representing mink and fox farmers.

Research and Continuing Education

The fur farm industry funds the Mink Farmers Research foundation, a national organization which allocates funds to universities and land grand institutions around the country. Research projects focus on nutrition, genetics, disease control and animal behavior. The results of the research are circulated throughout the industry by way of the farmers' quarterly magazine, American Fur.