Fur Commission (endorsement letter)

April 18, 2012
Dear Rancher:
Enclosed please find the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) annual survey
on mink farming. Fur Commission USA encourages all mink farmers to take the time to
complete and return this important document.
The USDA survey is the sole source of statistical information on the US mink farming
industry. Fur Commission USA uses the results of this survey to educate legislators
throughout the country on the impact of mink production to their states and districts. The
survey is also used extensively to promote the industry through various media outlets. A
complete statistical profile provides accurate counts on farms, establishes pelt price
averages, and enables us to identify important industry trends. The fact that it is authored
by the USDA gives it weight that we cannot provide within the industry.
The survey data is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Farm names, addresses, and
information about individual farms are considered private information and are exempt
from release under the Freedom of Information Act. Data on individual farms cannot be
released to the public under any circumstances.
Your response to the survey is voluntary and not required by law, but the cooperation of
mink farmers is important in developing accurate estimates on the impact of our business
on the economy, both local and national. You may be called from the USDA call center
in St. Louis, Missouri to complete your survey. If so, a 314 area code will appear on your
caller ID. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey and if you have any
questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at the Fur Commission USA office.

Sincerely,

Michael Whelan
Executive Director
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568