The Wild Fur MarkeT and Making inForMed decisions Moving ForWard in 2020. The Global fur market is always set at the International Auctions. In the world of Ranch mink that means Kopenhagen Fur Centre in Denmark and Saga Furs of Finland. As Fur Harvesters Auction is the last remaining Wild Fur Auction house operating on this continent on an International level the market will not be set until the conclusion of our March 24th /26th 2020 auction.
As the only Wild Fur Auction House as well being trapper owned we feel responsible to advise and caution those trappers that currently have fur on hand to seriously consider waiting for the results to come in from our March 2020 auction before making the call where to market.
Our next auction is not till May 30 to June 2nd and we are expecting strong support from both the supplier side and from the International buying community. As our last receiving dates and countless route trucks will once again be rolling in early April there is no reason to make any rush decisions.
As well to keep in mind FHA is the last remaining operation that annually funds Provincial, Territorial and State Associations as well as the Fur Institute of Canada and the International Fur Federation through percentages of fur sales. These funds are needed to keep all these organizations remaining strong in order to lobby and combat those that threaten our industry and our way of life. We believe in free enterprise and strong competition as its great for business. That’s why we spend a lot of time and money travelling the globe doing wild fur workshops and seminars all in an effort to fill our auction room with buyers to COMPETE for your hard acquired catch.
Fur harvesTers reMains deePlY coMMiTTed To The TraPPers oF norTh aMerica on all levels

I'm really not very excited about holding fur over for another year. But I guess a guy's got to try to do what he thinks is best when the time comes.

You don't read that as fur is selling too cheap in the country? Holding another year? As in you already held it one? That doesn't sound fun to me.

Im not into holding fur sell it pay bills no deep freezer fees or worries.

So their basically saying that the up coming sale Is not looking good as to prices or clearance's. So If this sale Is going to go that route why would the next sale In May be any better.

Well I guess we will just have to wait.

At least they're giving a "heads-up".

I think they are optimistic about FHA beating country prices on the next sale. They want you to hold off selling in the country and see the proof on the upcoming sale. After you see the light, ship for the next FHA sale.

Bvr I agree

I think you been in the Kool-Aid, but I admire your enthusiasm.

They don't want to pay any longer than necessary to store a bunch of low value fur that there is a limited market for. Can't say I blame them.

I for for one am very glad I am not holding any fur and it's all gone.

Alright guys our fur market overall has been treading water for a few years. There is no economic indicator anywhere that points to improvement. Every morning just listening to the ag report on the radio I hear of another harbinger of a commodity downturn. Price of oil, trade embargoes, stock market, exchange rate, corona virus in china, just heard this morning the corona virus is in Italy. A major manufactore of luxury fur garments.
Couple that with the fact that FHA is holding alot of fur from the last few years, they have not only taken on fresh goods from their past shippers, but this sale they have received even more fresh goods from past NAFA shippers. Then on top of that, they are tasked with liquidating NAFAs moth eaten presto logs.
Over the years At times Ive more than doubled
My money at FHA. There's been several years where theyve held my fur for 2-3-4 years then given it away. That being said. I do not envy the decisions the FHA management are having to make. Nor the actions they are going to have to take, to save the industry. I beleive FHA, trappers that they are, have the health and future of our industry our way of life at heart.
I interpret what they are saying is look at Kopenhagen, look at Saga, they have set the ranch fur market. Now FHA must set the wild fur market off their paramidors. Thats realality.
They are saying sell your collection in the country, dont plan on shipping to the May sale. In other words unload now or hold your own goods over. They are giving us, trappers, a heads up to not commit and ship for May until we see the results of March. I commend them for this.
I predict FHA will try to hold the line on the better fresh Lynxcats, (tough grade), muskrats, sel otter and shear able beaver. Everything else goes cheap. Then I beleive come May sale FHA will rip off the bandaid and dump any fur that has takers. They will do this to dump stale inventory, and the first step in resetting the wild fur market.
The writings been on the wall for awhile. Myself, I told my soninlaw this fall, we may not sell any cats this year, we may not sell any cats next year. We have been putting up some species in a way to appeal to craft buyers. I have kept a constant flow of pelts going to the tannery, I will offer my coyotes in a month. In a month I will have storage ready for if I don't sell them.
FHA does not want to store your fur.
Just my veiw from the hinterlands. Best of Luck.
Wayne Negus, "Hope springs eternal, in the breast of a Trapper."

Going to be tough to beat $205 from north Dakota sale on coyotes imo. Sale average pretty darn good too I believe.

I think it is going to be very difficult for any sale - FHA, Nevada. North Dakota - to exceed or equal the prices obtained at the first North Dakota sale.

I like and am impressed with the state auction sales results in the region. I don't have one very close to me. But to me they don't appear to be the best option for selling my raccoon. But I absolutely refuse to sell finished fur to anywhere that I can't see competitive buyers bidding
Loup Loup.. I like what you said

By anyone I mean groenewold or petska. LOL. I wouldn't mind selling finished fur some day to maybe a small fur buyer but not somebody who has the potential to Corner the market. And I don't have anything against petska or Grunwald personally. They're nice successful companies

Interesting take on this, but I read it exactly the opposite. It sounds to me that they are recommending do NOT sell in the county at the prices currently being offered until you see results from their March sale. You will then have the opportunity to ship for their May sale if you like what you see.

fha last recieving date was jan 19 for the march sale. you cant get fur on it now anyway. a few guys have done well at state sales so i dont expect to see a big drop in coyotes or cats. somebody is bidding and buying them. at least the stuff produced west of the mississippi and north of i40. some is cheaper than others but havnt seen a crash yet. those buyers are well aware nafa warehouse is about to be emptied at whatever is bid.

Being cyclic in nature eventually this thing will turn or go by way of the buggy whip. 101 we share interpretations. However following the Nafa debacle the nervous will be satisfied with anything. Another sign of capitulation.

I’m referring to the staple species. Coon, rats, mink and beaver.

That's exactly what I read also. Hold off selling elsewhere till you see their March results. Sounds like they are confident that they will be good.