Fur Commission Endorsement Letter

March 7, 2017
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 only official 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 to promote and defend the industry through the media.
A complete statistical profile provides accurate counts on farms, establishes pelt price
averages, and enables us to identify industry trends. The fact that it is authored by the
USDA gives it weight that we cannot provide from within the industry.
The survey data is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Farm names, addresses, and other
personal information are considered private 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, but the cooperation of mink farmers is
important in developing accurate estimates on the economic impact of our business, both
regionally and nationally. 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