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The 2011-2012 fur marketing season was spectacular, surpassing the previous year’s historical sales by 47%. Price increases and a substantial jump in shippers made this all possible. Our increased promotion and advertising campaigns last season also factors into this success. We increased our presence in China, Turkey, and Russia and attended all the world’s major fairs. It was mentioned in last year’s market forecast we were very optimistic going into the fall of 2011.
We feel conditions will remain for yet another great season. The key now is a timely start to winter in the two major fur consuming nations of China and Russia. If this happens the wheels will be in motion for the January 2013 round of auctions.
Prices on most articles rose once again last year and our March auction brought about the highest prices and averages in the world for most species of wild fur. Price increases and fast clearances are real positive signs of a healthy market and that was the case all last year.
I just returned from China on September 19th from a trade mission as part of a delegation representing the NWT government. I travelled with NWT Premier Bob McLeod and made stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. In my visits with factory owners and manufacturers, they all stated that interest in wild fur is increasing and most plan on purchasing more wild fur this season.
Our auction dates are again an exact reflection of the past two years. Our March sale will follow our competitors and the Hong Kong and Milan fur fairs. This puts us once again in the strongest selling position.
As we did this time last year we are advising trappers that have good muskrat areas to harvest them heavily and market early as there are many outstanding orders to be filled. Our muskrat average was the highest ever and some rumors of low production this year could see this market rise even more.
This past season’s record sales brought about record profits; news of rebates will be forthcoming at the end of November. I am confident all our loyal shippers will be extremely well rewarded. Also, those who have retained RPCs since the early days will see the benefits of ownership at an unprecedented level.
Fur Harvesters Auction takes every shipper seriously no matter how much fur is in their bag. We have lived and grown on each individual trapper and this year’s record sales are a tribute to each and every one of you.
I thank you for this as do the management, staff and directors of FHA.
Thanks for the confidence and trust you put in us in allowing this proud company to market your product.
Respectfully,
Mark Downey
Chief Executive Officer
Fur Harvesters Auction Inc
Beaver
Last season, FHA’s highly regarded beaver collection produced superior results, especially on the better grades. This season we expect prices will continue to do well.
Wild Mink
Good quality, seasonal mink will see good demand.
Otter
Otter prices took an unexpected drop last spring. We believe that the reason for the drop was not the fundamental lack of demand or over supply, but, more likely a lack of liquidity with the otter buyers. We expect prices to bounce back.
Sable
Excellent demand for all sizes and colours. Prices should be very favorable and a good item for trappers to target. FHA’s collection is regarded as the best in North America and those wishing top goods will look to fill orders on our March sale.
Fisher
Clear, (colour 1 & 2) excellent quality females will do very well. Large males are mainly used for trim and should sell at recently established levels. Low quality, SLTS and damaged skins will continue to struggle.
Lynx
Good demand for quality pelts with clear bellies. Off coloured bellies will continue to lag.
Lynx Cats
Our March collection of cats was simply incredible and the buyers paid premium prices. 40 lots sold for $1000 or higher with the top lot selling at $1700. We expect prices to remain strong. Belly colour is extremely important.
Muskrat
Excellent demand. Drought conditions across much of North America will limit supply. A good item for trappers to target.
Raccoon
Presently, of all the species in the wild fur industry, raccoon is likely the best value. The trade is slowly awakening to this fact and activity has started to pick up. As always production levels is a concern.
Red Fox
Last season, prices surpassed even our most bullish predictions. We expect prices to remain favorable. Another good item for trappers to target. Good demand for well marked cross and silver fox.
Coyote
Heavy westerns should see decent demand, as will better colours in the heavy easterns. Off colour, seconds and damages will continue to be cheap. Low grades will have little to no value. There is no reward for skinning low grades. We encourage trappers to be very selective on what they put up.
Wolf
Good demand for good quality taxidermy quality pelts.
Wolverine
Good demand for good quality, well marked, taxidermy quality pelts.
Squirrel
Limited demand for good quality pelts only.
Weasels
Expect prices similar to last year.
Canada
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United States
Agents
Pickup Schedules
Conditions of Sale