Career Information

Career Information

Are you interested in a career in fur farming but don’t know what to do next? Just follow these steps and FCUSA will try to help out.

The first step is to acquire as much background information on the industry as you can, and a good starting point is this web site. In particular, take a look at Fur Farming in North America and Fur Facts, and our on-line videos of fur farming at Fur on Film. For more detailed reading, refer to the extensive list of publications in our library.

Information on fur farming in other parts of the world, and on others sectors of the industry, can be found via our Links page. Other links providing information on careers in farming in general can be found at the bottom of this page.

After learning about the industry, the next step is to contact FCUSA for further information on how to apprentice on an existing farm or start your own farm.

Important notes: Starting your own fur farm is an undertaking that should only be considered by someone who already has considerable experience working on a farm, preferably a fur farm. You will also need a site for a farm, access to feed and waste disposal, and at least $100,000 equity. Your prospective farm should be located in a region with the right climate, which in the US excludes the southern states. Natural light is vital for mink to flourish, and so air-conditioned sheds with artificial lighting is not feasible. The cost of breeding stock is approximately three times what the pelts of their offspring earn at auction.

Your request should include the following:

1) A brief explanation of why you are interested in fur farming as a career.

2) A résumé containing:

Full contact information, including address, phone, fax and e-mail.
Educational background.
Career to date.
Any experience you may have had in animal husbandry.
Three references and/or professional affiliations.
If you are currently trading through an auction house, provide the name of the auction house and your account number.

Please send your application by mail or fax to:

Fur Commission USA
PO Box 1532
Medford, OR 97501
Fax: (541) 566-7489

If you have any questions about this procedure, feel free to contact Fur Commission USA.

See also:

Raising Mink and Fox. By Jack Brennan, Mink Specialties Co., Dundee, Illinois. Speech presented at a conference sponsored bySuccessful Farming magazine. (PDF format)

Recommended links / Reading for career seekers

Farmers and Farm Managers From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor.

National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) Agricultural Career Center.

NEBRASKA: Campaign launched to increase awareness, appreciation for livestock production. Nebraska Beef Council, for theHigh Plains Journal.

WISCONSIN: Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Program

For further information contact Fur Commission USA.

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