The following extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for over 43 years. For the last 33 years he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of all the major international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements within the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

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NAFA cancels wild fur sale citing limited quantities

NORTH AMERICAN FUR AUCTIONS HAS CANCELED THE WILD FUR SALE that was scheduled for Jan. 11. The company attributed the action to the limited quantities that would be available at that time.

That there might be a shortage of wild furs was reported several months ago (SPR, Sept. 14), when it was indicated that this season’s harvest would be smaller than last year’s for most species.

The weakening of the price structure in tandem with falling mink prices this year has dimmed trappers’ profit prospects, especially in view of higher gas prices. For many trappers who are basically in the lumber or other outdoor businesses, particularly in the northern U.S. and southern Canada, trapping and hunting for pelts is being regarded more as an expensive hobby than as a second income - at least this year. An upturn in prices, however, which would depend on demand, could reverse that attitude next year.

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

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