American Legend Ambassador Kathy Ireland with Renton's Finest

“If you build it, they will come”  Quoting from the iconic film “Field of Dreams”, CEO Joe Morelli is using the phrase to describe the success of the Blackglama and American Legend brands that commanded record prices last week at the ALC Seattle auction.

Roughly 400 buyers from all over the world showed up to compete for over 2 million of the world’s finest mink.  Over 250 ranchers were also present to witness this historic event.

Prices set new records, as all classes and sizes saw significant increases over the most recent North American and European sales.  Some categories climbed as much as 18% over the Toronto sale less than 8 weeks ago!

A Saturday night appreciation dinner for the ranchers and buyers included a special appearance and presentation by American Legend brand ambassador, super model and business person extraordinaire Kathy Ireland. Her talk not only invigorated the crowd, but assured the industry of her support in our efforts to promote fur.

Kellie Marshall Van Orden plead guilty yesterday morning in Woodbury County District Court to Releasing an Animal(s) from an Animal Facility, a class D felony and Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree, an Aggravated Misdemeanor.

The Honorable Judge Andreasen sentenced Kellie Van Orden to 5 years prison on count 1, but suspended that sentence and placed her on probation for 5 years.  On count 2, she was sentenced to 365 days in county jail, but 305 days were suspended.  She will serve 60 days in jail, less credit for time served. If she violates her probation, she could serve close to 6 years in prison.  The defense requested a deferred judgment (meaning the felony conviction would be expunged if she successfully completed probation), but that was denied.  The felony conviction will remain on her record. Ms. Van Orden was also ordered to maintain employment, schooling or job training as a condition of her probation, complete a victim empathy program and not associate with convicted felons (other than her husband, now serving 5 years).

Ms. Van Orden made a statement of allocution to the court, expressing remorse and condemning the criminal actions she and others have committed against the fur industry, which will soon be made available here. 

Once again,  the extremists of the animal rights movement have incited another young person to pay the price for their misguided campaigns against our country’s farming community.

“If I have my way, you’ll be praying to us for mercy.” So says Camille Marino, a Florida woman who adds that those who use animals should have their blood spilled. Marino specifically targeted UCLA professor David Jentsch, who obtained a restraining order against her after she told him her group wanted to throw him “a very very hot housewarming” party.  Read more from the Southern Poverty Law Center…

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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The International Fur Trade Federation has today released the global fur sales figures for 2010/2011 and they reveal a strong growth of over 7% (year-on-year) despite the economic downturn, reflecting a general trend in the luxury goods sector.  In the longer term, turnover has increased by 70% since 2000/1. The Asian markets of China, Hong Kong and Korea are showing particularly significant gains whilst in Europe and North America, turnover increased as pelt prices at auction reached record highs. US turnover has bounced back to pre-recession levels of just under $US 1 billion.

Fur continues to be a major design story on the catwalks of New York, Milan and London as designers such as Marc Jacobs, Mulberry and Gucci lead the return to wearable, luxury fashion.  Retail sales across Europe remain buoyant.

“In the current economic climate these figures are stunning”, said Mark Oaten Chief Executive of the International Fur Trade Federation.  “They show designers and consumers are continuing their love affair with this beautiful, durable and natural product. I am confident we will see even stronger growth next year because prices at the most recent auctions are hitting record highs. This proves manufacturers are prepared to pay a premium for quality as consumers invest in luxury for the long term.” 

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 36, ISSUE 1, FEBRUARY 27, 2012

International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

New Records Set Again at NAFA Sale

Heavy international demand made quick work of the 3.3 million North American and European mink offered by NAFA, as well as the big collection of wild furs that followed. Well over 500 buyers were among the more than 1,000 who gathered there for the occasion, including ranchers and other members of the trade and ancillary services. But it was the huge Hong Kong/China presence that dominated throughout the seven-day sale, with strong support from Greece, Russia and South Korea. As was the case the previous week at Kopenhagen Fur, mink prices were up sharply over last year’s comparable offering. The overall averages for all grades of the 2 million U.S. and Canadian mink at this sale were $113.40 for males and $76.09 for females, for a combined average of $95.26. Last year’s comparable figures were $94.14, $62.82 and $78.46, respectively. The latest average compared with Kopenhagen’s recent overall figure of $89.50.

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The preceding extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

Subscribe now and receive all the latest news, either in print or electronically. Just $150 a year for 48 issues! Sandy Parker Reports, 21219 Lago Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433; Tel: (561) 477-3764; Fax: (561) 862-7052; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Mink Again at New Peaks

*NAFA WIld Furs also Stronger

*China, Russia Setting Pace

*Prices Up at Hong Kong Fair

*Labor Costs Rising in China

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Index. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 35, ISSUE 47, FEBRUARY 13, 2012

International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

Hong Kong Fur & Fashion Fair Attracting Record Numbers

This year’s edition of the Hong Kong Fur & Fashion Fair is shaping up to be even bigger than last year’s record-breaking show. Despite Europe’s debt crisis and still-recovering economies elsewhere, indications are that attendance at the four-day event opening Feb. 25 will exceed last year’s. According to the Hong Kong Fur Federation, the show’s producer, visitor pre-registration is up 5%. Moreover, the demand for tickets to the gala dinner and fashion show has been “overwhelming,” said a spokesperson, resulting in a complete sellout. Last year’s gala was attended by 1,850 guests. Again occupying three halls in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, it will field 800 booths (versus 780 last year) operated by 280 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions in about 420,000 square feet of space. There also will be national pavilions from Germany and Greece.

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The preceding extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

Subscribe now and receive all the latest news, either in print or electronically. Just $150 a year for 48 issues! Sandy Parker Reports, 21219 Lago Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433; Tel: (561) 477-3764; Fax: (561) 862-7052; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Mink Prices Up at Kopenhagen

*Record Crowd Results in Sellout

*Sable Rises at Sojuzpushnina

*Hong Kong Fair Seen Bigger

*Ranch Terrorist Gets 5 Years

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Index. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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The Kopenhagen Fur February auction concluded Friday with the offering of the White and Mahogany type mink. The White mink continued the trend set the first day of the auction with mutation mink selling to strong demand at rising price levels.  The Mahogany collection also sold well and in line with the price levels established earlier with the Black and Brown collection.  When comparing these prices to US dollar levels established six months ago at the June KF sale, Black, Mahogany, and Brown males all sold at firm to slightly increasing prices while females sold at firm to slightly decreasing prices.  Mutation mink as a whole advanced in every size and category as a result of strong demand on limited world production.

A strong demand and premium was paid for short napped mink, and is a big reason we expect a record number of buyers attending the upcoming North American auctions. Buying was dominated by Hong Kong/China throughout the sale with support from all major markets.

The trade will get a chance to test these numbers when they are factored into garment/accessory prices at the upcomingHong Kong(Feb 25-28) andMilan(Mar 4-8) fairs.

Report courtesy of American Legend Cooperative

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 35, ISSUE 46, FEBRUARY 6, 2012

International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

Despite U.S. Weather, Upcoming Sales Attracting Record Number of Buyers

That retail fur sales are directly affected by the weather has been well documented, so it should be no surprise that this winter’s inconsistent weather has resulted in an irregular sales pattern around the globe. Nor should American retailers – who are not all enjoying a good season – be surprised to see the coming auctions drawing enough buyers to keep skin prices firm to last year’s record levels or pushing them even higher. The fact is that, while cold temperatures were late in arriving around the world, they remained more constant elsewhere than in the U.S.

December and January, their two biggest sales months, proved somewhat disappointing for most American retailers of fur and other winter-related merchandise and services. Elsewhere, however, the late arriving mercury drop tended to stay low enough and long enough to convince consumers to buy furs. Retailers in both China and Russia, following a later start, are still enjoying healthy sales and moving their inventories. South Korea as well as other important markets for furs also have been enjoying a good season, all of which lending credence to reports that this week’s big mink auction at Kopenhagen Fur is drawing a record attendance of over 700 buyers, at least half from Hong Kong and China. North American Fur Auctions – which will also have wild furs in its sale next week – is expecting between 450 and 500 buyers, compared with a record 450 last year.

With both auctions drawing record numbers of buyers, a reasonable assumption would be that both offerings will be met by good demand. And, with the competition for goods that those numbers would suggest, indications are that skin prices are not likely to weaken. Rather, further strengthening may be in the offing. Hong Kong/Chinese buyers alone have already demonstrated they have the power to make the Kopenhagen sale a success. As for Greek/Russian participation being curbed as a result of Greece’s credit problems, sources believe major Greek operators are still capable of taking strong positions, but that the finances of their Russian accounts also have improved.

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The preceding extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

Subscribe now and receive all the latest news, either in print or electronically. Just $150 a year for 48 issues! Sandy Parker Reports, 21219 Lago Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433; Tel: (561) 477-3764; Fax: (561) 862-7052; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Season OK in China, Russia…

*…but Disappointing Elsewhere

*Inconsistent Weather Cited

*U.S. Consumer Confidence Dips

*Sable Prices Increase 20%

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Index. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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Today presented a huge victory for animal agriculture in Sioux City Iowa’s  Woodbury County Courthouse.  Victor VanOrden and Kellie Marshall appeared to enter pleas regarding their attempted attack on a local mink farm last October 10.  Mr. VanOrden appearing first, entered a guilty plea to one count of Releasing an Animal(s) from an Animal Facility, a class D felony with a maximum prison sentence of 5 years, and one count of Attempted Burglary, an aggravated misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 2 years.  The Dep’t of Corrections had recommended a sentence of probation as Mr. VanOrden had no past criminal record.

Citing the 1,200 mile trip the pair had made to commit the crime, and the fact that they had entered the property in the dead of night, wearing masks and carrying weapons, the court understood the serious nature of the crime and the implications of its decision on the nation’s farming community. Acting within the guidelines, the court gave VanOrden the maximum sentence on both counts, to be served concurrently.  The court had received 26 letters from farmers in 8 states urging a prison sentence, and over two dozens farmers had packed the courtroom to witness the proceedings.  

Kellie Marshall, sitting in the gallery awaiting her turn, immediately huddled with her attorneys, changing her plea to not guilty in order to avoid immediate sentencing. Her trial is scheduled for March 6, 2012

Fur Commission USA praises the court, and law enforcement’s efforts in fighting those that would destroy our businesses and livelihoods. This sentence sends a strong message that criminal acts against agriculture will not go unpunished.

The tragedy here, is that two young people’s lives will be forever altered because of their naive adherence to the message of misguided advocates and animal rights extremists. 

SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 35, ISSUE 45, JANUARY 30, 2012

The following extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

Subscribe now and receive all the latest news, either in print or electronically. Just $150 a year for 48 issues! Sandy Parker Reports, 21219 Lago Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33433; Tel: (561) 477-3764; Fax: (561) 862-7052; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com

International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

SAGA Furs Makes Commitment to Certification

Finnish Fur Sales – now known as SAGA Furs OYJ – set new records for sales and earnings in its latest fiscal year. It is the only one of the major world fur auction houses that is publicly owned and required to publish its financial data. The report, covered the year endedAug. 31, 2011. 

In addition to the sales figures, the report also dealt with political risks such as efforts by some European governments to ban fur farming. In the Netherlands, for example, fox farming is now illegal and the lower house of parliament has decided to ban mink farming; the upper chamber has not yet voted on it. At close to 5 million pelts a year, the Netherlands is the third largest mink producer after Denmark and China.

The image of fur farming thus has taken on new importance, the report notes, particularly in the eyes of European decision makers who are not familiar with the industry. “It is essential…that the production process of fur pelts is continuously improved and any mistakes and neglect found in fur farms are quickly intervened with. Certification of fur farms is an even more integral part of the Saga Furs brand.” In that connection, the company noted that, as of last October, two-thirds of Finnish fur production was covered by certification. In the season ahead, the company will accept finnraccoons only from certified farms. The requirement will be extended to fox farms next year.

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Weather Wilts Retail Traffic

*January Weakens U.S. Season

*China, Russia Remain Strong

*Pelt Prices Seen Holding Firm

*Finnish Auction Sets New Peaks

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Index. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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