About Fur Commission USA
The Fur Commission USA is a national, non-profit association representing U.S. mink farmers that support the Fur Commission USA through a pelt levy on pelts sold at auction.
Most of the mink farms in operation today in the U.S. are third and fourth generation family farms. Mink ranchers recognize that they have a responsibility to preserve and protect the land on which they work and provide the highest quality care for their livestock. The Fur Commission USA works in conjunction with other animal welfare groups to ensure that the latest and most up-to-date research on animal health and welfare is available to mink ranchers in a timely fashion.
The Fur Commission USA is governed by an elected, nine-member Board of Directors. Only fur farmers are eligible to serve as Board members. Fur farmers and veterinarians serve on various Fur Commission USA committees.
The Fur Commission, on behalf of its members, provides leadership in government relations, research, best farming practices, marketing and the promotion of the mink-farming sector with the goal of ensuring the permanent prosperity of the U.S. mink farming industry.
Fur Commission USA is a member of and/or works closely with the following leading national agriculture organizations: the American Farm Bureau Federation, the California Farm Bureau, the New York Farm Bureau, the Utah Farm Bureau, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, the Animal Agriculture Alliance, American Agri-Women, and the Wisconsin Agribusiness Council.
It is also a member of the Discovery Institute and the National Animal Interest Alliance.
Outside the US, it is a member of the Fur Institute of Canada and the International Fur Federation.
FCUSA History
FCUSA was created in 1994 by the merger of several organizations with histories going back to 1944.
The National Board of Fur Farm Organizations, Inc., a non-profit co-operative association, was incorporated in Minnesota on December 16, 1944. This was a national group whose membership was comprised mainly of state, regional and local fur-farming organizations, but also included a few large farmers as individual members. Some of the founding member organizations, such as breeders’ associations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Utah, already had long histories of serving their individual fur-farming members. There were more than 20 original organization members, and over the years others joined while some ceased to exist. Bruce Smith, a respected Wisconsin mink farmer who also published American Fur Rancher magazine, headed the organization for a great many years.
Our Director
Challis Hobbs
Executive DirectorChallis Hobbs serves as Executive Director of Fur Commission USA, where he leads efforts to support the U.S. mink farming industry through animal health, research, public affairs, government affairs, and producer outreach.
He also serves as CEO of United Vaccine Holdings, a global vaccine company partially owned by Fur Commission USA and international mink industry stakeholders, and coordinates U.S. government relations for the International Fur Federation.
Raised on his family’s fur farm, Hobbs brings firsthand industry experience to his leadership. Prior to Fur Commission USA, he spent 4.5 years with international fur auction house Saga Furs, helping develop its North American operations.
He holds an MBA from Idaho State University and executive certificates from Harvard University.
Hobbs works with producers, policymakers, veterinarians, and industry partners to advance practical solutions and strengthen the future of the fur industry.
