Published March 21, 2013, 10:54 AM
Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of mink – and it’s getting even larger, as the demand grows for high-quality furs in China.
China’s demand for mink spurs industry growth
Wisconsin NewsWisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of mink – and it’s getting even larger, as the demand grows for high-quality furs in China.
Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of mink – and it’s getting even larger, as the demand grows for high-quality furs in China.
The USDA says China’s fur processors have turned to foreign mink pelts, because China’s homegrown furs aren’t as high quality. Experts say that’s because of in-breeding, the high feed costs and poor nutrition.
Sheboygan Falls fur rancher Bob Zimbal had 34,000 mink a decade ago. Now, he has 54,000 breeding females, more than 25 miles of cages, and a feed plant on his site. Meanwhile, Zimbal has seen his pelt prices jump from $25 to $94 each within the past 15 years.
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