Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears the $320 listed in that Auction Report as the top price for XXXL/XXL Heavy I is very incorrect. From what I see in the catalog, it should be $120. Or did I miss something?

Only half of mine sold, doesn't sound like "strong support", lol.

Agreed, the "strong support" is a joke, they must think trappers are stupid. Most of mine sold if you can call it that. They literally gave them away. $28 for first grade marten! Wish I had kept them. There should be a minimum starting price for decent grades.

I thought all you guys gave up on NAFA last year,after they announced the certification,lol.Looks like they need to step up that campaign.The non certified stuff is weak.

Had 90% sold at a $60 average pre commission . Definitely down from the March sale.

You are right Boco, I wasn't going to but the way the last receiving dates were set up I had no choice. I really dont know what the problem is, or what the answer is, but one thing is certain; whatever wild fur marketing NAFA is doing, isn't working. It seems that there just isn't much interest in some articles, but others are seeing good clearances rates. Seems to me that those furs should be bringing better prices, as obviously someone wants them. One thing they shouldn't do is tell trappers there was "strong support" for sable when they gave them away. If they think $28 is a good price for section l labeled skins then I think a lot of marten trappers will consider other options.

As for the certification program and it's effect on prices, I would only say that they told us the same thing when they passed the humane trapping standards too, and it aint worked out to well.

The auction houses kiss the arse of the buyers.They make sure the manufacturers can get the skins at a price where they can still make money and stay in business in a down market.
The real kick in the nuts for the trapper is the hatter buyers for beaver.They are paying way below value for good skins,then they sell a felt hat for $1000.No tanning costs,no cutting, blocking, letting out,skillful matching and sewing.The felt hat process is all mechanized.Obscene profit margin.And the auction house is complicit in the low valuations put on the good garment grade skins.
At least CG is paying the trappers a fair price for the fur they use.

I've always wondered about the felt hat market. I have a lot of relatives in eastern Oregon, northern CA, and Nevada and everyone down there has a few felt hats and they are not cheap. There is a hat company in Durango Colorado that has been making high end hats for years. I was there in the early 80s and went through the store. Its the O'Farrell hat Co. which is my last name, but they wouldnt give me a discount because of it!

http://www.nafa.ca/strong-support-luxury-fashion-industry-sable/

The 320.00 US for the top lot is correct.

Guess you missed the part where the average for semi XL's was higher than the top price for semi XL's? Any way you misrepresent it, Marten prices are sucking again.

FHA wasn't any better.